Be a Blood Donor Today!

Being a blood donor provides you with the ability to save lives. Volunteers for blood donations are in need throughout your community. The American Red Cross, as well as the people in need, are counting on your generosity to donate your blood. Every two seconds, someone is in need of a blood transfusion; and every pint donated, can assist up to three in need individuals. 

There are several types of blood donations that are available: 

• Whole Blood 
• Platelets
• Plasma
• Double Red Cells

How do you get involved?

• You must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds 
• If you are 23 and younger, a minimum requirement of blood volume must be met
• Register to be a donor 
• Schedule an appointment 
• Have plenty to drink and a light meal 
• Bring a photo ID, donor card, and a list of medications that you are currently taking
• DONATE! 

Thirty-eight percent of the U.S. population has the eligibility to donate at any give time; however, less than ten percent donate annually. Be the difference our community needs. You have the opportunity to donate blood multiple times a year depending on the type of blood you would like to donate. Don't let your blood go to waste, sign up to donate today! 

For more questions or to schedule an appointment visit American Red Cross or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Fiber Focus

Are you aware that fiber is an essential part of our diets? Fiber is not something the body can make on its own; therefore, you must consume the fiber throughout your diet in order to obtain fiber within the body. There are two types of fiber available: soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fiber can be found in food sources such as dried beans, oats, barley, fruits, and vegetables. Soluble fiber assists in removing cholesterol from the blood; therefore, lowering your chances of heart disease.

Insoluble fiber food sources include whole grains, what bran, fruits, and vegetables. Insoluble fiber helps prevent constipation by keeping your intestinal tract healthy.

It is recommended that other children, adolescents, and adults eat 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. For younger children, this suggested amount is too high; however, it is wise to implement foods high in fiber at a young age. By implementing fiber into your diet you are regulating your digestive tract, lowering your risk of disease such as high blood pressure, and benefiting from all of the vitamins and minerals that come inside the high fiber foods that you are consuming.

10 Ways to Add Fiber to Your Diet

1. Eat berries. 
2. Eat more legumes, such as dried beans. 
3. Choose romaine lettuce or spinach. 
4. Enjoy 100% whole-wheat or whole-grain bread. 
5. Eat high-fiber breakfast cereals. 
6. Choose brown rice instead of white. 
7. Eat the skins on fruits and vegetables, such as apples and potatoes. 
8. Eat corn, including popcorn. 
9. Snack on dried fruit. 
10. Eat whole fruits and vegetables instead of drinking 100% juice. 

Successful Tips for Adding Fiber 

• Add fiber gradually. 
• Drink fluids. Drink at least 8 cups of water, juice, or other decaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages every day. 

To find more information about fiber please visit WebMD.

Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Weber-Morgan Health Department.  We are so excited for what this year has to offer.  We have some thrilling and fun events coming up this year so stay tuned to this site for weekly articles and updates on what is happening in our community.

Here are a few of the topics we will discuss this year:

Introduction to YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program in our Community

Winter Trails Day (January 9 from 9am-1pm)

Child Safety and SafeKids Day

The Ogden Mayor's Walk

Stress Awareness

Fireworks Safety

National Diabetes Awareness

Healthy Eating

Suicide Prevention

Join us each week to find out what is happening in our community!