Words on Wellness

Let’s Deskercise!

     Do you sit at a desk for prolonged periods during the day? If so, try deskercising to reduce the harmful effects of sitting for long periods of time.

     Deskercise includes 20 short bouts of cardiovascular, strength, and stretching exercises that can be performed at your desk throughout the day.

     Download a free poster—“Deskercise! 20 Ways to Get Moving While You Work” (www.nchpad.org/fppics/ deskercise%20poster_updated.pdf)—from The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD).

     Other ways to get moving at work include the following:

     • Take a quick walk around the office every time you need a refill of coffee or water.

     • Instead of emailing your coworker a few offices down, get up and go converse in person.

     • Pace while on long conference calls.

     • Have a walking/pushing meeting.

     • Take the long route to the restroom.

     • Swap your office chair for a stability ball.

Adapting Recipes with Raw Eggs

     Does your favorite holiday recipe include raw eggs as an ingredient? Raw eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria cause food poisoning, especially if consumed by pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those who may have a weakened immune system.

     To safely adapt recipes containing raw eggs, try one of the following options:

     • Add the eggs to the amount of liquid called for in the recipe, then heat the mixture until it reaches 160°F on a food thermometer.

     • Use store-bought versions of the home-prepared item. Check the label to be sure items are already cooked or pasteurized.

     • Purchase eggs labeled “pasteurized.” Options include the following: Fresh pasteurized eggs in the shell (found in the refrigerator section), liquid pasteurized egg products (found in the refrigerator section), frozen pasteurized egg products (found in the frozen food section), and powdered egg whites (found in the baking section).