Health Briefs

By Kacie Schumann, Health Promotion Coordinator, kacie.schumann@cityofames.org and Bailey Dingfield, Health Promotion Intern, bailey.dingfield@cityofames.org

Farewell and Congratulations to Bailey!

Person wearing cap and gown

Bailey Dingfield has been our Health Promotion Intern since January. She will be graduating from Iowa State University on May 16 with her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology & Health, with an emphasis on Community & Public Health. Thank you for your work this semester, Bailey!

A note from Bailey: Thank you to everyone who has made my internship experience so wonderful! After I graduate I am moving to Des Moines to work for a college ministry out of a local church. I am excited to use what I have learned at the City about communication to build new connections with student and community members in my new job!

Parks Passport Challenge

Cartoon graphic of a bench and trees

The Park Passport Challenge is coming soon, and we’re excited to help you get outside, explore our community, and stay active this summer! Running from May 18 through July 20, this 10-week challenge encourages participants to visit local parks, move more, and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine can improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase your energy — making this the perfect way to build healthy habits while having fun.

The goal is to visit anywhere from 10 to 37 local parks during the challenge. You’ll earn entries into a grand prize drawing when you reach 10, 20, 30, and 37 parks. At each park, complete some type of physical activity. This could include walking a trail, playing on the playground with your kids, shooting hoops, stretching, or simply exploring a new space. It doesn’t have to be intense — just get moving!

Participants will receive a park map, a list of park features, and a “passport” tracker to record visits throughout the challenge.

Sign up for the challenge here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Vhg2QE867D

Save the Dates for Health Screenings!

Employee health screenings will be back on July 7, 8, 16, 22, and 23. The 23rd will be an afternoon screening for those who may be working overnights. Be on the lookout for more information and registration soon!

What's Up With Sourdough?

Baking sourdough bread became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people had more time at home. What started as a 

Loaf of sourdough bread

trend quickly turned into a favorite hobby—and it’s still popular today!

Making sourdough takes time and patience. It’s a hands-on process that helps people step away from screens, relax, and create something from scratch. Baking your own bread can give you a strong sense of accomplishment.

Potential Health Benefits of Sourdough

In addition to being a creative outlet, sourdough may also have some benefits for your physical health.

  1. Nutrient Availability - contains nutrients that your body can absorb more easily, including:
    1. Folate – helps your body make new cells and DNA
    2. Potassium – supports your heartbeat, nerves, and muscles
    3. Magnesium – helps with muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone health
  2. Antioxidants - The fermentation process in sourdough creates lactic acid, which increases antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage that can lead to disease.
  3. Blood Sugar Control - Sourdough may cause smaller increases in blood sugar compared to white bread. This is because your body breaks it down more slowly, which helps prevent sharp spikes in insulin.
  4. Digestive Health - Sourdough may be easier to digest than regular white bread. Some studies suggest it can help support good gut bacteria. It also has less gluten than regular bread, which may make it easier for some people to tolerate.

Things to Keep in Mind

  1. Starter safety matters: If you make sourdough at home, make sure your starter stays safe. Watch for:
    • Unusual colors (green, pink, orange, or black)
    • A fuzzy or moldy look
    • A bad smell
  2. Not gluten-free: Sourdough has less gluten, but it is not gluten-free. People with celiac disease will likely still have symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before adding it to your diet.

 

Learn how to make your very own sourdough starter by clicking the following link!

How to Make Sourdough Starter (With Step-by-Step)

Learn more information about the benefits and cautions of sourdough by clicking the following link!

Sourdough Bread: Is It Good for You? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More

Healthy Recipe: Vegetable Quiche

Vegetable Quiche in a pan

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen pie shell
  • 2 1/2 cups finely chopped veggies such as zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli and peppers
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup half and half or low-fat milk
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper or white pepper
  • Pinch nutmeg or dried tarragon
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Fontina, Gruyere or Swiss, divided (6 oz))

Instructions

  1. Arrange oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 
  2. Combine veggies and ¼ cup water in a microwave safe bowl. Cover with a layer of parchment and plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Carefully remove the cover (watch for steam) and drain the veggies in a fine mesh sieve. 
  3. Whisk eggs, half and half, mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper and nutmeg (or tarragon) in a large bowl. Stir in the veggies and 1 cup cheese.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the crust. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheese. 
  5. Transfer the baking sheet to the rack in the lower third of the oven and bake until the center of the quiche is lightly puffed, and the crust is golden, about 40 to 50 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Easy Veggie Quiche - Healthy Seasonal Recipes

 

 

 

 

Back to top