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National Nutrition Month: Refresh Your Routines for the New Season!
March is National Nutrition Month! This month we emphasize the importance of good food choices and the impact these choices can have on long-term health. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in bodily health, influencing energy levels, strengthening your immune system, and supporting cognitive function. It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
The CDC states that healthy eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein. Dairy recommendations include low-fat or fat-free milk, lactose-free milk, and fortified soy beverages. Other plant-based beverages do not have the same nutritional properties as animal milk and soy beverages. Protein recommendations include seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), soy products, nuts, and seeds. Fiber helps maintain digestive health and helps us feel fuller longer. Fiber also helps control blood sugar and lowers cholesterol levels. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are good sources of fiber.
We at HVHD encourage our residents to use this month to make healthier food choices by eating a variety of foods, maintaining adequate hydration to support digestion and metabolic health, and incorporate physical activity in your daily life to combat chronic disease. Take this month to create healthier habits that will support lifelong bodily health.
Topic Resources
USDA Dietary Guideline for Americans
HVHD Service Spotlights
Emergency Preparedness Spotlight:
GET READY FOR SPRING WEATHER!
As Spring approaches, snow starts melting and spring showers develop; flooding can occur. Flooding can develop either slowly or quickly and is the most common type of natural disaster in the United States. Stay safe and know your risks, go to Ready.gov and learn how to prepare for a flood and what to do in case you experience a flood warning.
Environmental Health Spotlight:
Free Radon Test Kits
Testing your home for radon is one of the most effective ways to protect your family’s long-term health. HVHD is now offering free radon test kits! Those interested in receiving a radon test kit may stop by our offices located at 10 Main Street in New Milford, 77 Main Street, Suite 205 in Southbury, or 63 Main Street in Sharon to pick one up.
Community Health Spotlight:
Indoor Air Quality During Seasonal Transition: Preparing Your Home for Spring
| As winter gives way to spring, fluctuating temperatures, melting snow, and increased moisture can significantly affect indoor air quality. During this seasonal transition, homes in Connecticut often experience increased humidity, allergen exposure, and reduced ventilation, all of which can impact respiratory health. For many residents, particularly children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or chronic lung disease, poor indoor air quality can trigger symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, headaches, fatigue, and eye or throat irritation. |
Why Indoor Air Quality Changes in Early Spring |
Several environmental factors contribute to indoor air concerns this time of year: Increased Moisture: Snow melt and spring rains raise indoor humidity levels, particularly in basements and crawl spaces. Excess moisture can promote mold growth within 24-48 hours. Seasonal Allergens: As outdoor pollen levels begin to rise, allergens are easily tracked indoors on clothing, shoes, and pets. HVAC System Transition: Heating systems that have been running continuously all winter may circulate accumulated dust and debris. At the same time, air conditioning systems may not yet be serviced or ready for use. Reduced Ventilation: Homes remain closed up during cold weather, limiting fresh air exchange and allowing indoor pollutants to accumulate. Practical Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality Residents can take several simple but effective steps to improve air quality during this seasonal shift: 1. Change HVAC Filters Replace furnace and HVAC filters at least every 3 months (more frequently if you have pets or household members with allergies). Use high-efficiency filters when compatible with your system. 2. Schedule HVAC Maintenance Have your system inspected and cleaned before switching to cooling mode to ensure proper operation and air circulation. 3. Control Humidity Levels Keep indoor humidity between 30-50%. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements, and promptly address any water intrusion. 4. Inspect for Mold Check basements, window sills, bathrooms, and areas near plumbing for signs of mold growth. Clean small areas promptly and consult professionals for larger concerns. 5. Improve Ventilation When weather permits, briefly open windows to increase fresh air exchange. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to reduce moisture buildup. 6. Reduce Allergen Entry Remove shoes at the door, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and regularly vacuum using a HEPA-filter vacuum. Protecting Vulnerable Populations Individuals with asthma, COPD, or seasonal allergies may notice worsening symptoms during this time of year. Monitoring indoor air quality and minimizing triggers can help reduce emergency visits and improve overall comfort. If you suspect that indoor environmental conditions are affecting your health, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. |
Public Health Updates:
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Spring Allergies
As March approaches so do Spring allergies. Sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes are some of the many symptoms those who have allergies experience in the spring months. Over 50 million people in the U.S. have experienced allergy symptoms. Allergies affect those of all ages with 30% of adults and 40% of children suffering from seasonal allergies. The most common type of allergy triggers includes trees, wood and grass pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and dander. Connecticut is especially prone to high allergen levels, with juniper and grass being common irritants.
Connecticut allergy season starts in early spring. Because Connecticut has a cold winter, seasonal allergies will commonly begin in late February. You’ll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in March, April, May, June, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower in Connecticut.
Allergy season usually ends around late October. This means that our residents get a break from their seasonal allergies. Even though Connecticut might not have as many outdoor allergens to worry about during the winter, indoor allergens can still cause issues for many allergy sufferers.
If you suffer from indoor allergies, such as allergies to dust, pet dander, or mold, you might notice that they worsen during the winter if you spend more time inside than usual.
Keep a diligent eye on your indoor air quality this spring. If you suspect that indoor environmental conditions are affecting your health, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
HVHD Events: MONTH YEAR
Recipe Highlight: Algerian Whole-Wheat Couscous with Red Beans and Vegetables
Ingredients
Servings 6 Serving Size 1 cup vegetables and 3/4 cup couscous
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 2 x 1/4-inch strips
- 1 small zucchini (halved lengthwise, diagonally sliced)
- 1 medium carrot (diagonally sliced)
- 1 medium rib of celery, cut crosswise into thin slices
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 15.5-ounce cans no-salt-added dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 small, sweet potato (peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 large tomato (diced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (crumbled)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 cup uncooked couscous (whole-wheat)
- 1/4 cup minced parsley (fresh)
Directions
Tip: Click on step to mark as complete.
Meanwhile, prepare the couscous using the package directions, omitting the salt. Fluff with a fork. Transfer the couscous to serving plates. Spoon the vegetable mixture over the couscous. Sprinkle each serving with the parsley.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beans, broth, sweet potato, tomato, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
