NANCY DAWES - Ochsner.org

:Healthy Living
The FLU
OR NOT
The FLU?
6
GAme Day
Super food choices are now available at the Louisiana Superdome
Ochsner Health System and Elmwood Fitness
Center have joined forces with Centerplate to
bring healthy food choices to Saints fans at
the Louisiana Superdome. Every concession
stand will feature at least one option that is
lower in fat and calories, while still keeping
the stadium feel. For example, low-fat turkey
hot dogs on light whole wheat buns will be
available where regular hot dogs are sold,
and blackened chicken sandwiches will be an
alternative to the fried variety.
“Nothing is being taken away — your
favorite splurge will still be there,” says Molly
Kimball, R.D., C.S.S.D., Registered Dietitian
at Elmwood Fitness Center. “But now there
will be healthy choices everywhere, from
the suites to general concessions on the
concourse.” The Ochsner Eat Fit logo (shown
below) on the menu board will indicate the
healthy options. Nutrition information will
be posted nearby, making it easy for you to
enjoy a guilt-free game day.
If you’re tailgating in the parking lot or
watching the game at home, you can still
get into the spirit with healthy food choices.
Try this chili recipe as part of your celebration.
Meet the Registered dietitian
Molly Kimball, R.D., C.S.S.D.
Elmwood Fitness Center,
a service of Ochsner
1.866.Ochsner 1-866-Ochsner www.ochsner.org
GAME DAY CHILI
1 pound extra lean ground beef
(at least 93% lean)
1 onion, chopped
3 cans diced tomatoes (not drained)
1 can tomato sauce
1 can white beans
1 can red beans
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 cup salsa
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large skillet, brown ground beef
and onion until thoroughly cooked.
Drain and pour into a large pot. Add
the rest of the ingredients and cook
on low heat for 8 hours.
Nutrition facts per serving:
310 calories; 10g total fat;
2g saturated fat; 0g trans fat;
45g carbohydrates; 10g dietary fiber;
19g protein; 593g sodium
Serves 8
Do you know what’s ailing you?
The flu and the average cold might be two miserable
peas in a pod, but many of us often confuse the two,
even though they are actually dramatically different.
Many viruses can bring on a cold, but the Influenza A
and B viruses are the only causes of the flu. These viruses
share many of the same symptoms, but a general rule of
thumb is that the flu comes on suddenly, unexpectedly
and usually with a vengeance. Colds are generally milder,
and don’t typically lead to serious complications.
According to Dr. Richard Deichmann, Associate
Medical Director of Adult Primary Care at Ochsner
Medical Center in New Orleans, the flu is characterized
by high fever, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue and chills.
You might also experience a runny nose, dry cough,
headaches, eye pain or a sore throat.
“You’ll usually know when the flu comes on and you
shouldn’t second-guess yourself,” Dr. Deichmann says.
“Some people can even tell you the exact time the flu
hits them. It can be that intense.”
On the flip side, a cold can sneak up on you, beginning
with signs of drowsiness, a few sneezes and a muffled
cough, leading to a runny, stuffy nose. If you do have a
fever, it will be low.
“There could also be some muscle aches, runny eyes
or scratchy throat,” Dr. Deichmann says. “But it’s
generally milder than the flu and you can usually just
treat it yourself with over-the-counter medicine and
good personal care.”
Dr. James Tebbe, Vice President of Medical Affairs
at Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner, says influenza is
normally treated with Tamiflu®, an antiviral medicine.
This treatment is effective in adults who take it
within 48 hours of when the symptoms are noticed,
with many feeling better 30 percent faster than
with other methods.
“Identifying and responding to the flu quickly is
an important step in treatment,” says Dr. Tebbe.
“Additionally, each Fall, you might want to consider
receiving a flu vaccination to prevent getting the
flu in the first place.”