Let's Feed South Florida: Inaugural Gala To Raise Crucial Funds To Fight Food Insecurity Thu Aug 08 2024 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Need A New AC? The End of Summer Sale At The AC Outlet Is Open To The Public October 7, 2021 Share If you are in need of a new AC system now is a perfect time to stop by at the AC Outlets End of Summer Sale. We all know since we live in south Florida the summer heat and humidity are always upon us. Normally the temperatures soar to the upper 80’s and 90’s before lunch, and we are all seeking a place to get some relief and away from the heat. Thankfully the friendly staff at the AC Outlet are here to help and they are having an End of Summer sale that can get you a new system at a great price. The AC Outlet is unique, they are open to the public. What this means is you can come inside with a list of questions and they will be happy to help guide you. A new air conditioning system or part purchase doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. Once you know the facts and can see many of the units right in front of you, it will take those worries away and better yet at a great price. The A/C Outlets buying power gives them the ability to pass their savings along to the consumer. So if you have been waiting to purchase that new unit, now is the time to act. The End of Summer Sale is here, they have mini split systems starting at $640, Goodman Central AC split systems starting at $1447, Rheem and Goodman 1.5 - 5 ton model condensers starting at $852. The price is so affordable, now is the time to act for your home or business. Located in Hollywood, across the street from the Big Easy Casino, the AC Outlet is a one-of-a-kind Air Conditioning Equipment and Supply Showroom with full HVAC System displays. They have been in business - selling across the country on-line for over a decade. The staff at the AC Outlet feel the importance of being a part of the community and reaching out to the public has been the driving force behind this concept and the reason they opened this spacious showroom. Because so many like to see and touch the products before buying, Store Manager Zelick Gimelstein and his knowledgeable team are waiting to help you make that important purchase. “Most showrooms only cater to contractors and are not interested in dealing with the public,” Gimelstein explained. “While we still have many contractors that come in all of the time, having clients coming from this community - and all over south Florida is what sets us apart from the rest. Our low prices also keep them coming back.” Purchasing a full system is a big expense and Gimelstein understands that - with years of experience - going a long way in assisting clients with their purchase. Whether it’s a full system, a replacement part or simply need some last minute supplies, The AC Outlet is there to assist you, answering those tough questions. “Because of our solid reputation, we have people driving from as far away as Sebring (Central Florida) to get a part or look at a new system,” Gimel-stein said. “In any type of business that you do, customer service is paramount. We want everyone to have a positive experience.” Being the first and only HVAC supply house east of I-95, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you with all of your HVAC needs. Whether it's central air conditioning, mini split ductless systems, replacement parts or supplies, they have you covered! With brand names such as Allied, Goodman, Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Fujitsu and Gree, customers know that they are in great hands with dependable service and product knowledge. From air conditioners to central AC systems, package units, mini splits, compressors, motors, heat strips, capacitors, line sets and thermostats, this is a one-stop shopping experience. In addition, The AC Outlet carries electrical supplies, ducting accessories, PVC & copper fittings, control boards, UV light kits, coil cleaners, registers, collars, thermostats and much more. "Come by and visit The AC Outlet, where your comfort is our priority!" The AC Outlet 1921 Pembroke Road Hollywood, FL 33020 954-322-7835 Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Monday - Friday) www.theaccoutlet.com < Previous News Next News >

Celebrating Earth Day: Beach Changes, The Turtle Season And Updates On The Removal Of The Historic Banyan Tree Thu Apr 25 2024 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Planning Holiday Get-Togethers: Tips For Easy and Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers Wed Dec 13 2023 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Savor the Flavors of Summer: Light & Zesty Flavors Help Beat The Heat July 21, 2022 Share Bringing your family together for a meal that tastes like summer is what the season is all about in South Florida. If you're spending an evening firing up the grill, flipping on the oven, forming a homemade salad or anything in-between, the time spent together enjoying summer weather flavors is what everyone truly craves. Your next backyard meal can start with a flavor infusion such as a Garlic Vinaigrette Marinade, a versatile option that can be tossed with salads or added to proteins before cooking. It adds a light zesty flavor that isn't too heavy when you come in for a meal out of the South Florida Summer sun. A great way to enjoy this mouthwatering taste is to enjoy it with locally sourced products such as Florida Shrimp and Squash Kebabs, an easy way to bring loved ones together both before and during the meal. Put an adult in charge of heating the grill while the entire family works together to marinate a concoction of Shrimp, Tomatoes, Corn, Red Onion, Squash and Zucchini before threading them onto the skewers that are ready to hit the grates. Hot weather means lighter fare is on the menu, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad can be ready in mere minutes. Just toss together a handful of tantalizing ingredients for a simple bite of summer that is perfect as a meatless meal or al fresco side dish. You can even turn it into a quick weeknight dinner by adding cooked Chicken, Shrimp or a protein of your choice. Mediterranean Orzo Salad Servings: 4 • 2 Cups of cooked Orzo • 2 Mini Cucumbers, thinly sliced • 3/4 Cup of quartered Cherry Tomatoes • 1/2 Cup of canned Chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1/2 Cup of Arugula • 1/4 Cup of pitted Kalamata and Green Olives, cut in half • 1/4 Cup of crumbled Feta Cheese • 1/3 Cup of Newman’s Own Garlic Vinaigrette & Marinade, plus additional for serving (optional) In a large bowl, combine the Orzo, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Arugula, Olives and Feta Cheese. Toss everything with the Vinaigrette. Serve with additional Vinaigrette, if desired. Summer Shrimp and Squash Kebabs Servings: 4 (2 skewers per serving) • 8 Wooden skewers (12 inches each) • 1 Cup of Newman’s Own Garlic Vinaigrette & Marinade, plus additional for serving • 16 Large peeled and deveined Shrimp • 16 Cherry Tomatoes • 2 Ears of fresh Corn, each cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 Large Red Onion, cut into 1-inch wedges • 2 Yellow Squash, sliced 1/2-inch thick • 2 Zucchini, sliced 1/2-inch thick Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the Vinaigrette, Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn, Red Onion, Yellow Squash and Zucchini; marinate everything for 30 minutes - 1 hour. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Skewer the pieces of Cherry Tomato, Shrimp, Corn, Zucchini, Red Onion and Yellow Squash on a wooden skewer. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and skewers. Grill the Kebabs for about 8 minutes, turning them frequently until the Shrimp and Veggies are cooked. Serve with additional Vinaigrette. Fresh Summer Salsa Summer is filled with exciting summer events like Baseball, Sunbathing and Barbecues. But what goes best with these summertime favorites? A fresh sunny day snack just waiting to be devoured! So if you’re in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice, try this Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa. It features fresh, fruity flavors with Pineapple, Mango, Lemon and Lime plus a surprising bite of Jalapeño. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and zesty. This light, warm weather appetizer is perfect for pool parties or dining al fresco. A fresh twist on Traditional Salsa, this recipe will have people lining up for a second scoop to help beat the heat. Enjoy it with Tortilla Chips or as a topping on your favorite Tacos to add a little sweetness to a traditionally savory meal. Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa Recipe adapted from: https://www.becomingness.com/ • 1 1/4 Cups of fresh diced Pineapple • 1 1/4 Cup of fresh diced Mango • 2 Tomatoes • 1/2 Diced Red Onion • 1 Finely chopped Jalapeño • 1 Tablespoon of Coriander • 2 Tablespoons of Lime Juice • 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice • Sea Salt, to taste • Fresh Cracked Pepper, to taste • Tortilla Chips, for serving In a large bowl, combine Pineapple, Mango, Tomato, Onion, Jalapeño, Coriander, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice and Salt and Pepper, to taste. With a rubber spatula, mix all of the ingredients together. Taste and season it with additional Salt and Pepper, if desired. Plus, don't forget the Tortilla Chips! < Previous News Next News >

Sleep Apnea is More Than a Snore Family Features August 22, 2024 Share Snoring throughout the night. Gasping for air suddenly while sleeping. Feeling tired after a night of rest. These aren't just signs of a poor night's sleep - they could be symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by a repetitive collapse of the airway during sleep. Most people with Sleep Apnea don't even know they have it - in fact, 80% of people with Sleep Apnea in the United States are undiagnosed, according to research published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology." Experts from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommend most adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night without waking frequently. If you have untreated Sleep Apnea, healthy, uninterrupted sleep can be hard to achieve. When the airway collapses or becomes blocked while you sleep, it causes you to wake briefly - maybe with a snore or gasp for air - to unblock the airway. Untreated Sleep Apnea can contribute to long-term health problems, including Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Heart Disease, Stroke, Type 2 Diabetes and Depression. Overall quality of life can also suffer. It can lead to a decline in mood, lower work productivity, difficulty concentrating and making decisions and an increased likelihood of getting into a traffic accident due to sleepiness. The disorder may even affect your family and relationships; snoring or poor sleep due to Sleep Apnea can keep your family members up at night, affect your mood with others and impact your general decision-making. Consider this additional information about Sleep Apnea from Count on Sleep, a collaborative awareness program led by the AASM. Signs and symptoms of OSA: • Snoring or noisy breathing • Stopping breathing while asleep • Waking up gasping or choking • Restless sleep or waking up tired and groggy after a full night's sleep • Insomnia • Waking up frequently to use the bathroom • Having headaches in the morning • Feeling sleepy or falling asleep during the day • Having difficulty with memory or concentrating • Mood changes or irritability • Drowsy driving Risk factors for OSA: • Overweight or Obesity (BMI of more than 30) • High Blood Pressure • Neck size of more than 17 inches for men; 16 inches for women • Coronary Artery Disease (a type of Heart Disease) or Heart Attack • Atrial Fibrillation or other Heart Rhythm problems • Congestive Heart Failure • Type 2 Diabetes • Stroke • Daytime sleepiness If you think you may have undiagnosed Sleep Apnea, talk to your doctor about your signs, symptoms, risk factors and concerns. If friends or family members exhibit these symptoms, urge them to talk to a doctor. Your doctor may screen or test you for Sleep Apnea, which could include an at-home sleep test or sleep study at an accredited sleep center. If diagnosed, treatment options include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliance, surgery or lifestyle changes. Sleep Apnea Treatments When followed properly, Sleep Apnea treatment improves breathing, sleepiness and quality of life. Some people may find the disorder improves through lifestyle changes such as losing weight, sleeping on their side or quitting smoking or drinking alcohol. Most of the time, however, other treatment options are necessary, such as: CPAP The most common and recognized treatment for Sleep Apnea, a CPAP machine provides a steady stream of air to keep your airway open throughout the night. Oral appliance therapy Similar to a mouthguard, an oral appliance can be worn at night to prevent the airway from collapsing by moving the jaw forward. Surgery If lifestyle changes, CPAP or oral appliance therapy don't work, there are surgical options to treat Sleep Apnea. They include upper airway stimulation, which uses an implanted device to stimulate a nerve that controls the tongue, moving it forward while you sleep. Learn more about how sleep apnea affects health and take a short quiz to see if you may be at risk at: www.countonsleep.org < Previous News Next News >

Helping Your Pet With Separation Anxiety September 12, 2024 Share If you have ever lived in a household alongside a pet that excessively howls, scratches at the door, or exhibits an overall sense of panic when a loved one leaves the home, it can be beneficial to speak with a veterinarian about the potential diagnosis of separation anxiety. Dr. Lori Teller, a Clinical Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, unpacks the actions linked to separation anxiety with methods of how to alleviate the pet’s stress and behavioral responses associated with it. Unwelcome Changes Separation anxiety occurs when an animal — most commonly a dog, though some cats may experience this type of Anxiety as well — becomes upset due to being apart from their owner or any individual to whom the pet has grown attached. While Anxiety, in general, has many triggers and is frequently multifactorial, Teller said there are specific life-events or experiences that may contribute to a dog’s development of separation anxiety, including: • Abandonment when young • Poor socialization, especially when young • Lack of training to be left alone and to entertain itself • Divorce of a family member • Death of a family member • Sudden change in work or school schedules According to Teller, a dog’s personality may also contribute to Separation Anxiety, as some dogs may be naturally more clingy than others. Stage-Five Clinger Because anxiety looks different for every pet, it is important to differentiate excitement or a lack of training from Anxiety. Several identifiable canine behaviors that signal Separation Anxiety are: • Pacing • Whining • Shaking • Excessive barking, drooling, or panting • Destructive behavior, including digging out of the yard, or urinating and defecating in the house Cats also experience Stress when there are major changes in their lives or in the household, but they express it differently. Signs that a Cat is experiencing separation anxiety may include: • Urinating in inappropriate locations • Lack of appetite • Loud, excessive meowing If you have concerns about behaviors your pet is displaying, Teller says it’s important to discuss those with your veterinarian. Videos of the behavior can be helpful in determining what is going on. Prescribed Chill Pills Teller says treating separation anxiety requires more than a little “chill pill.” “Medications alone will not resolve separation anxiety,” Teller said. “There are a variety of medications that are used to help alleviate anxiety and make it easier to institute a behavior modification plan. “Your veterinarian will work with you to create a behavior modification plan to help eliminate undesirable behaviors and replace them with more appropriate ones,” she said. Another way to help your pet is that when you know a big change is coming, helping them prepare by introducing activities to their routine also may help prevent Anxiety when that big change eventually comes. “Prevention is key, and there are a variety of things that can be done to help prevent Separation Anxiety in pets,” Teller said. “Pets need to learn that it is OK to be alone and to entertain themselves, even when someone is home.” Introducing puzzle toys, food-stuffed toys, and long-lasting chews are options that can help to replace that comfort person with a comfort item. And for sense-based comfort, playing the radio and keeping consistent pheromone diffusers in use can create a safe and recognizable space without their favorite human by their side. According to Teller, another method to potentially reduce Anxiety is to encourage your pet to exercise and release some energy prior to leaving for your day at school or work. A long walk or run or game of fetch may do. Through exercise, a dog trades morning stress-filled yelps with a morning nap instead. Comfort In Confinement Finally, when dealing with an anxious dog, crates can offer an enclosed sense of security in their distress. “When putting a dog in a crate, use lots of praise and make sure the dog has a puzzle toy or chew treat when it goes into the crate,” Teller said. “As a dog feels more comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of space it has access to — moving from the crate to a room and then hopefully to most of the house. It is important that a dog learns from early on that a crate is a safe place. Some dogs may not be amenable to crate training until their separation Anxiety has lessened.” Likewise, cats also need safe places, though usually not crates. These safe spaces can include a room with perches at different levels or nooks where they can hide, Teller says. “If you notice a change in your dog’s or cat’s behavior, speak with your veterinarian, have a complete physical done, and be sure to let your veterinarian know that there have been changes in the pet’s lifestyle or household,” Teller said. It is important to recognize that separation anxiety is a medical condition and needs to be treated appropriately. By encouraging your pet’s independence, and working with a veterinarian, as necessary, owners can help instill in their beloved companions behaviors that allow them to thrive on their own. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/ - Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . < Previous News Next News >

Six Ways To Build Lasting Healthy Habits By Family Features January 19, 2023 Share Starting on a path toward healthy habits is often easier than maintaining them long term. This year, you can avoid a major pitfall of healthy resolutions and build healthy habits that stick by working small, positive steps into your daily life. In fact, healthy habits are the first suggested treatment strategy for people whose Blood Pressure and Cholesterol levels are creeping higher than normal, according to an American Heart Association scientific statement. "The current guidelines for managing high Blood Pressure and Cholesterol recognize that otherwise healthy individuals with mildly or moderately elevated levels of these cardiovascular risk factors should actively attempt to reduce these risks, and increasing physical activity is a great place to start," said Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., chair of the statement writing group and chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at West Virginia University School of Public Health. These six ideas from the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good Habit Coach can help. Best Common Habit-Building Myths You may be surprised to learn the truth about creating and sticking to healthy habits. One myth is getting healthy means doing things you don't like. Research shows positive emotions make habits stick, so set your intentions on something you enjoy. Another misconception is that big results require big changes, which may lead to overly ambitious habits. However, the simpler the routine is, the more likely it is to become a habit. Work with Your "Brain Loops" Your brain creates "loops" for habits made up of three things: a cue, a routine and a reward. Each time the loop is repeated, it becomes more routine and may become automatic. Knowing this, you can design cues for developing new, healthy habits, such as setting walking shoes by the bed to start a walking habit. The routine is putting on the shoes and walking around the block, and the reward is the pleasant sensations and brighter mood from a morning stroll. Create Cues That Work for You Most successful health habits begin with a cue. The cue can be external in your environment or internal in terms of your mindset. The more consistent the cue, the more likely it is to trigger the habit. Hacking your brain's reminder system can help you remember your cue. Some examples of visual cues are placing a sticky note where you'll see it often, keeping a water bottle on your desk or refrigerating fresh veggies at eye level. Build A Routine That Supports Your Goals Positive and consistent habits are important to achieve your personal goals. Small habits done consistently can add up to big results. To create a new healthy habit, think through the steps that could lead to your desired outcome. Ask yourself whether you want to do it, if it's easy and if it's high impact. It's important to choose habits that make a difference and move you closer to your goals. For example, if one of your goals is improving your heart health, a meaningful habit might be to move more. Increasing physical activity can help lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol along with many other health benefits, Gibbs said. "Every little bit of activity is better than none," she said. "Even small initial increases of 5-10 minutes a day can yield health benefits." Use Rewards to Make Habits Stick Start by choosing a habit you enjoy that's rewarding by itself. If you're more of a dancer than runner, increase your physical activity with an upbeat dance class. You might also look for a more enjoyable version of a new habit, such as getting more fruits and veggies by sipping on a delicious smoothie. Understand Resets are Part of the Process New habits are experiments. If they don't stick, you haven't failed. Instead, you've learned what doesn't work, which is useful. Get curious and ask yourself which part of the habit didn't work for you. Maybe the cue was ineffective. Maybe the steps of the routine were too ambitious and you need to split them into smaller, easier steps. If you realize you don't enjoy the habit, stop doing it and try something else. Find more inspiration and ideas to jumpstart healthy habits this year at: www.heart.org/habits < Previous News Next News >

Stop the Paid Parking Plan By Alexander Lewy July 22, 2021 Share Alexander Lewy was elected to the Hallandale Beach City Commission in 2010 and served until 2014. He has worked for national non-profit organizations since leaving office and serves on the Board of Trustees for Temple Beth El of Hollywood. As a former Hallandale Beach City Commissioner now enjoying family life with my wife and two small kids, I rarely have time to speak up on issues. I respect the City Commission and value our city staff, but I've been gravely concerned about Hallandale Beach's plans to start a citywide paid parking plan since the moment I heard about it. The more I researched, the more I see that this plan does nothing to help residents or increase quality of life; and according to public records, this paid parking plan is strictly focused on revenue. Public emails between the City Manager and the City Commission state "...the creation of a parking management program are key aspects of our long term plan for increasing revenues..." (Dec. 2020) and that they "…are very focused on our revenue creation in the City from a parking perspective... We are also working on rolling out the parking program to the rest of the City as well, which will definitely mean an increase in revenue from just this one source. " (Feb. 2021) I have had the privilege to speak to four members of the City Commission (including the Mayor) and the City Manager about the proposed paid parking changes and greatly appreciate their willingness to listen. It is my hope that if you read this and agree, our combined voices will encourage the Commission to reevaluate these drastic measures that will reduce our quality of life and impact everyone in the city. Mayor Cooper (whom I voted for and consider a friend) wrote a recent article that mentions a “new on street parking program.” She went further to write that “parking will now be a $30 monthly rate.” Frankly, no new laws exist until the Commission votes to change our City Ordinances. I am told those votes are currently planned for August. In the past, the Commission asked for vast public input prior to making such sweeping changes and that unfortunately did not occur here. What is worse, is that the City’s parking consultant, Diane Burgess, is the former Director of Sales for PayByPhone and, according to her own public LinkedIn profile, was “responsible for bringing PayByPhone to Municipal Government locations as well as to private property owners who charge for parking.” You can review the city’s initial parking proposal here: https://tinyurl.com/dd7f6fsh It compares Hallandale Beach to Lauderdale by the Sea and Surfside which are both small towns on the barrier island which means all street parking is beach parking. It also compares us to Pompano Beach, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. None of those three cities charge for parking in front of their city parks or in residential areas west of the intercoastal. Hallandale Beach would be the only city to make people pay to park in front of their condos like on Three Islands Blvd., Parkview Drive, Golden Isles Drive, NE 14th Ave., and NE 3rd Street. Passholders aren’t even guaranteed a parking spot. None of these areas are tourist destinations and many are home to working class families. Look at these city websites for a TRUE comparison: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/291/Location-Map https://daniabeachfl.gov/183/Parking-Division https://pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/parking_street I am also curious why the only park NOT included in the City’s presentation was the Golden Isles Park and Tennis Center which also has on-street parking like B.F. James, O.B. Johnson, and Bluesten Parks and others around the city which are all part of the on-street paid parking plan. We all understand and expect to pay for beach parking, but this plan forces us to pay for street parking at the city’s largest parks. The same parks where the Police Athletic League and others regularly hold sporting & cultural events. Paid parking is against recommendations from consultants who developed our Parks plan, after all, these public open spaces were paid for by our taxes and a bond in which taxpayers voted to approve. It’s reprehensible to now charge to access these parks when the motive is purely profit. Furthermore, while answering questions from the Commission this May, city staff mentioned that the new money collected would go towards the general fund and is not dedicated to any infrastructure improvements. While the City points to the "International Parking Institute" for research indicating each space costs at least $400 annually to maintain, we know our City has not been spending that. It was also said that condos “are not paying a thing to utilize City property.” That is an insult to every condo taxpayer who disproportionately pays more for the frontage of their public streets, sidewalks, and parking spaces. There are areas with parking deficiencies in Hallandale Beach, but those were created by the City's willingness to allow parking variances for developers letting them build more units with less parking claiming that "public transit" will soon be the norm. This is a myth many have peddled, and yet south Florida does not have the infrastructure to make meaningful public transit a reality. The City also allows developers to count on-street parking towards their parking allotment! This happened as recently as the building of Arts Square on NE 3rd Street which was approved by the Commission with less parking than code required and now the Commission wants to charge for that parking. Join me in urging the Commission to scrap this plan and start fresh. If the Commission's goal is to improve parking management and public safety, there are other enforcement methods to ensure public parking is not abused, allows for turn over, and does not hurt families with no choice but to use street parking. The City can ticket and tow vehicles illegally parked or parked for an extended period and generate revenue from enforcement without charging law abiding residents. If the Commission's goal is to increase revenue, that is what we pay property taxes for. As a proud American and Hallandale Beach property owner, it's my responsibility to pay my fair share. Please make your voice heard by emailing the Commission at publicparticipation@cohb.org or by submitting a voicemail to 954-457-1482. < Previous News Next News >

CIRQUE AT THE DIPLOMAT: Coming This Holiday Season POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance Wed Dec 13 2023 17:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Fight Hunger, Serve Hope: Selfless Ways To Support Community Members In Need By Family Features August 24, 2023 Share With hectic day-to-day schedules and varying dietary needs, many families face the dreaded daily question: "What sounds good for dinner?" In contrast, millions struggle to put food on the table each night, impacting about 1 in 8 children, according to Feeding America. You can help support those in need through the Albertsons' "Fight Hunger, Serve Hope" Cause Program - an initiative to fight hunger in local communities during summer months when households with school-aged children face higher rates of food insecurity. The company's private label will donate one meal for every O Organics product purchased, up to $7 Million and the equivalent of 28 million meals. Donations will be made to Nourishing Neighbors, a Program of Albertsons Companies Foundation, to Fund Grants dedicated to providing healthy meals for at-risk youth throughout the summer. "While summertime sparks excitement for countless students, it also marks the unfortunate reality that millions of children face when they lose access to school cafeteria lunches and breakfasts they depend on throughout the school year," said Jennifer Saenz, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer at Albertsons Companies. "As a company, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of children in need. For the first time, we are making it easier than ever for our customers to support this mission by connecting each purchase of our O Organics Brand to hunger relief efforts in the communities we serve." Following the campaign period, families looking to help in their communities can give back in a variety of ways. Donate Canned Goods Once school is in session, many classrooms participate in canned food drives for a variety of causes while serving a dual purpose: feeding those in need and teaching children the importance of giving back. Sending your students to school with canned goods can show them the value of helping others and instill a sense of responsibility. Volunteer At A Food Pantry Sharing valuable resources like canned goods helps make a difference in communities, but local food pantries also need willing volunteers to sort and distribute food, among other duties. It can provide a unique sense of perspective as you meet other volunteers, improve the lives of people in your community and gain new skills. In fact Hallandale Beach has a Food Pantry at The Hepburn Center. For additional information or to volunteer to drop off goods call: (954) 457-1460. The Hepburn Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feeding South Florida, in Pembroke Park also has volunteer opportunities, visit: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/volunteer/ - Or call: (954) 518-1818 for more information. Promote The Power Of Family Meals Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner or all three, sharing a meal with neighbors can be a powerful moment. It provides an opportunity to connect while enjoying easy-to-make recipes like Ribeye Steak, Grape Tomato and Mushroom Kebabs; Grilled Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese, Fresh Raspberries and Pecans; and Mixed Berry-Lime Smoothie Bowl with Banana and Granola. Ribeye Steak, Grape Tomato and Mushroom Kebabs Total time: 30 minutes • 2 Cloves of Garlic • 1/2 Small bunch of Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley • 1/4 Cup of O Organics Extra-Virgin Olive Oil • 1/8 Cup of Red Wine Vinegar • 2 Teaspoons of O Organics Dijon Mustard • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt • 1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper • 3/4 Pound of O Organics Ribeye Steak • 1/2 Pint of O Organics Grape Tomatoes • 1/4 Pound of O Organics White Mushrooms • Green Pepper, sliced optional • 1/2 Medium Red Onion • 6 Skewers Peel and mince the Garlic. Wash and dry the Parsley. Shave the Leaves off the Stems; discard the Stems and mince the Leaves. In a large bowl, whisk the Minced Garlic, half the Minced Parsley, reserve the remainder for the Garnish, the Olive Oil, the Vinegar, the Dijon Mustard, the Salt and the Pepper. Cut the Steak into cubes; transfer them to the Marinade bowl and toss to coat. Wash the Tomatoes, the Mushrooms and the Green Pepper. Halve the Mushrooms. Add the Tomatoes, the Mushrooms and the Green Pepper to the Marinade. Peel the Onion and cut it into chunks and add them to the Marinade. Toss the Beef and the Vegetables until they are well coated. Heat the grill pan, outdoor grill or skillet to Medium-High Heat. Thread the Steak and the Vegetables onto the six skewers. Cook the Kebabs in batches until the Steak is browned and the Vegetables are tender, 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer them to a plate and repeat with the remaining Kebabs. To serve, plate the Kebabs and sprinkle them with the remaining Minced Parsley. Grilled Chicken Salad With Goat Cheese, Fresh Blueberries and Pecans Total time: 20 minutes • 3/4 Pound of Boneless, Skinless O Organics Chicken Breasts • 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt • 1/8 Teaspoon of Black Pepper • 2 Teaspoons of O Organics Extra-Virgin Olive Oil • 1 Package 5 Ounces of O Organics Spring Mix • 1 Package 6 Ounces of O Organics Blueberries or desired Berry • 1/4 Cup of O Organics Pecan Halves • 3 Tablespoons of O Organics Olive Oil • 1 Tablespoon of O Organics Balsamic Vinegar • 1/2 Log 4 Ounces of O Organics Goat Cheese Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place on a cutting board. Cut chicken in half horizontally to form thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat the grill pan, the outdoor grill or the skillet to Medium-High Heat. Once the pan is hot, coat it with the Oil. Add the Chicken to the pan and grill it, turning it once, until it is cooked through for 3-4 minutes per side. Wash and dry the Spring Mix. Place in a medium bowl. Wash and dry the Blueberries. Add to a bowl with the Mixed Greens. Using a clean cutting board, roughly chop the Pecans. Add to the bowl. Transfer the cooked Chicken to a cutting board and cut it into thin strips. In a bowl, mix the Olive Oil and the Balsamic Vinegar to create the Dressing. Add the Chicken and the Dressing to the Salad bowl; toss to combine. To serve, divide the Salad between the plates or the bowls and crumble the Goat Cheese over the top. Mixed Berry-Lime Smoothie Bowl With Banana and Granola Total time: 10 minutes Yield: 3 cups • 1 Banana • 1/2 Package 6 Ounces of O Organics Blackberries • 1/2 Lime • 2 Cups of O Organics Frozen Mixed Berries • 1 Cup of Plain O Organics Greek Yogurt • 4 Fluid Ounces of O Organics Whole Milk • 1/8 Cup of O Organics Honey • 1/4 Teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon • 2/3 Cup of O Organics Granola of choice Wash and dry the Banana and the Blackberries. Peel and thinly slice the Banana and set it aside. Zest and juice the Lime into a blender. Add the Frozen Mixed Berries, the Yogurt, the Milk, the Honey and the Cinnamon. Blend them on high speed until they are smooth for 1-2 minutes. To serve, divide the Smoothie between the bowls and top them with the Banana, the Blackberries and the Granola. Find more meal ideas by visiting: www.Albertsons.com or www.albertsons.com/lp/o-organics-organic.html < Previous News Next News >

What You Need To Know About Cholesterol - Stay In Control To Help Prevent Heart Disease, Heart Attack And Stroke Family Features November 21, 2024 Share Understanding and improving Cholesterol is important for people of all ages, including children and teens. Maintaining healthy Cholesterol levels can help keep your heart healthy and lower your chances of getting Heart Disease or having a Stroke. High Cholesterol usually has no symptoms. In fact, about 38% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with High Cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Understanding what Cholesterol is, the role it plays, when to get screened and how to manage it are important aspects of protecting your overall health and preventing a Heart Attack or Stroke. Understanding Cholesterol A waxy, fat-like substance created by the Liver and consumed from meat, poultry and dairy products, Cholesterol isn't inherently bad for you. In fact, your body needs it to build cells and make Vitamins and other Hormones. However, too much Cholesterol circulating in the blood can pose a problem. The two types of Cholesterol are Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), which is considered "bad," and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which can be thought of as "good" Cholesterol. Too much of the "bad" kind, or not enough of the "good," increases the risk of Cholesterol slowly building up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Cholesterol can join with other substances to form a thick, hard deposit on the inside of the arteries called plaque. This can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible - a condition known as Atherosclerosis. If a blood clot forms, it may be more likely to get stuck in one of these narrowed arteries, resulting in a Heart Attack or Stroke. Understanding Risk Your body naturally produces all the LDL it needs. An unhealthy lifestyle can make your body produce more LDL than required. Behaviors that may negatively affect your Cholesterol Levels include lack of physical activity, obesity, eating an unhealthy diet and smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke. In addition to unhealthy habits, which are the cause of High LDL Cholesterol for most people, some people inherit genes from their parents or grandparents - called Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) - that cause them to have too much Cholesterol and can lead to Premature Atherosclerotic Heart Disease. If you have a family history of FH or problems related to High Cholesterol, it's important to get your levels checked. Getting Cholesterol Checked Adults aged 20 and older should have their Cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every 4-6 years as long as their risk remains low. After age 40, your health care professional will use an equation to calculate your 10-year risk of Heart Attack or Stroke. People with Cardiovascular Disease, and those at elevated risk, may need their Cholesterol and other risk factors assessed more often. Managing Cholesterol If you have High Cholesterol, understanding your risk for Heart Disease and Stroke is one of the most important things you can do, along with taking steps to lower your Cholesterol. Often, simply changing certain behaviors can help bring your numbers into line. Eating a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean or plant-based protein, fish and nuts while limiting red and processed meats, sodium and sugar-sweetened foods and beverages is one of the best ways to lower your Cholesterol. While grocery shopping, look for the American Heart Association's Heart-Check mark to help identify foods that can be part of an overall healthy eating pattern. Other lifestyle changes include losing weight, quitting smoking and becoming more physically active, as a sedentary lifestyle can lower HDL. To help lower both Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure, experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, such as walking, biking or swimming. For some people, lifestyle changes may prevent or manage unhealthy Cholesterol Levels. For others, medication may also be needed. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that's right for you. If medication is required, be sure to take it as prescribed. Controlling your Cholesterol may be easier than you think. Learn more about managing your Cholesterol at: www.heart.org/cholesterol < Previous News Next News >