OSF Heathcare Occupational Health Newsletter

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"Serving with the Greatest Care and Love"

Upcoming Events:

Easter Sunday: 4/20
 

Is your Company Prepared?

With warmer temperatures headed our way (hopefully!), Severe Weather will not be too far behind and now is a great time to ensure your business is ready when it strikes.
Things to keep in mind:
  • Keep a Weather Radio Handy & Charged
  • Flashlight Availability & Locations
  • What to do in an Emergency Situation
    • Who/What/When/Where
  • NEVER Touch Downed Power Lines
  • Rain Can be Slick, so be alert when traveling
More information can be found on the National Weather Service Website, including some very interesting statistics on Central Illinois Severe Weather.

Wellness Corner

by: Kathy Riley, MS, RN, Wellness Educator


What is your idea of a “processed food”? It really is any food that has been altered from its natural state. So, even washing an apple before you eat it technically makes it “processed”! There are many reasons foods are processed: to ensure safety, to aide in preparation and storage, to improve qualities like flavor and looks.

Foods can be lightly to highly processed. There is a big difference between a washed apple and a container of ready-made macaroni and cheese. Although highly processed foods can make life easier, they often contain many added ingredients: sugar, salt, preservatives, flavorings and colors. Too much added sugar can play a role in weight gain. Too much sodium can affect blood pressure. For some people, other additives can cause allergies.

Be more aware of what you eat! Look at your grocery cart. Does it contain a large percentage of highly processed foods like lunch meat, meals in a box, and instant snacks? How many empty fast food bags are in the trash can of your car? Are you surprised by what you find?

Look at the ingredient list on food labels when you shop. You might be shocked to find how much sugar is in foods that you would not even think of as sweet! Choose foods with the least amount of sugar, fat, sodium and added ingredients you don’t want or really need. There are brand differences; compare and be a smart shopper! Choosing foods closest to their natural state helps you avoid additives you don’t need or want.

Foods found in the grocery store are safe for us to eat but we are learning they might not all be the best choices for health, especially on a daily basis. Want to learn more? Visit our OSF Dieticians on the web!

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