March Calendar

• 5th - Break Up with Salt Series - West Carroll Extension Office, Oak Grove - 10:30 am
• 6th - Healthy Eating for Seniors - Emily P. Robinson Community Center, Monroe - 11:30 am
• 12th - "Food Connects Us" National Nutrition Month Workshop - Rayville Elementary Parent Center, Rayville - 10 am
• 12th - Health Fair - Richwood Community Center, Monroe - 10 am to 1 pm
• 13th - East Carroll Parish Learning Lab
• 15th - Read and Ride - Louise Williams Library, Monroe - 1 pm
• 17th - Taste of Herb and Spice - Union General Hospital, Farmerville - 2 pm
• 18th - Nourish to Prevent Cancer Prevention Series - West Carroll Extension Office, Oak Grove - 5:30 pm
• 19th - Break Up with Salt Series - West Carroll Extension Office, Oak Grove - 10:30 am
• 20th - Taste of Herb and Spice - Louise Williams Library, Monroe - 1 pm
• 20th - STREAM Night - J. S. Clark Elementary, Monroe - 5 pm
• 25th - Nourish to Prevent Cancer Prevention Series - West Carroll Extension Office, Oak Grove - 5:30 pm
• 28th - Exercise Education for Seniors - Delhi Library, Delhi - 10 am

Kids Corner

by Ana Gouge

Built Environment and Physical Activity

Indoor Adventure Quest: A Treasure Hunt for Cold Days

An indoor treasure hunt is a fun and engaging way to keep kids active during cold months. Start by selecting small treasures like toys or treats and writing a series of clues that lead from one location to the next. Hide the treasures around the house, each with a clue to the next spot. Give the kids the first clue and let them follow the trail to find all the treasures. You can add themes, riddles, or a time limit to make it more exciting. For added activity, have your child do an active motion to get to the next clue, such as hopping or bear crawling. This activity not only keeps kids moving but also stimulates their minds and provides a sense of adventure indoors.

Seafood for Heart Health

by Cathy Agan

Have you heard that both the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Heart Association recommend that adults eat at least two servings of seafood each week? A serving is three ounces cooked or about 3/4 cup of flaked fish. Often seafood contains less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids than other protein foods. Omega-3s are essential fats, which means the body can't make them and must get them from food. Eating seafood may help ease inflammation in the body and promote a healthy balance of cholesterol and other fats in the bloodstream. As a result, omega-3s can help slow plaque buildup in arteries.

Research shows that people who eat fish twice a week are less likely to have attacks or die from heart disease than those who don't consume fish. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna top the list of foods for heart health as identified by the Mayo Clinic. For the most health bang for your buck, grill or bake fish rather than frying them. Pair fish with vegetables to gain even more heart health benefits.

Consuming fish is healthy for moms and their babies as well as part of a heart-heathy diet. However, some kinds of fish may contain high levels of mercury or other contaminants. Pregnant women, those planning to become pregnant or nursing, and those feeding young children should check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for advisories regarding contaminated fish. Eating a variety of fish will help reduce any risks. The benefits of eating a variety of fish and seafood typically outweigh the potential risks if the amount of fish consumed is within the recommendations from the FDA. So, treat your heart right and enjoy some seafood this week!

Recipe of the Month

by April Temple

Red Pepper & Dill Hummus

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large red bell pepper, roasted and peeled
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the red pepper: preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place the red bell pepper on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred. Remove from the oven, let it cool, then peel and remove the seeds.
2. Blend the ingredients: in a food processor, combine the chickpeas, roasted red pepper, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Blend until smooth.
3. Season: add salt and pepper to taste, and blend again to combine.
4. Serve: transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped dill and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Flavors of Health: The Herb Dill

by Markaye Russell

When cooking with herbs and spices you are reducing the sodium and increasing the flavor of your dish. American Health Rankings 2024 report Louisiana is ranked 45 with adults having high blood pressure. Flavors of Health programs are geared to help people make healthier choices and to improve their lifestyles. One way is using the spice, Dill. Dill is a common aromatic garden herb that is known for its many culinary properties. Dill has feathery, bright green fronds of long, soft, needle like leaves with flavored characteristics of anise, parsley, and celery. Fresh or dried dill can be used as a garnish or paired with fish, soups, salads, dressings, potatoes, beans, beets, bell peppers, chicken, cucumber, pickles, sour cream, or yogurt. Dill has been the most popular spice demonstrated throughout all the different spices that have been highlighted each month.