Health Briefs
By Kacie Schumann, Health Promotion Coordinator, kacie.schumann@cityofames.org.
Fall Semester Health Promotion Happenings
Read on to see what’s happening in the world of health promotion during the Fall 2026 semester! More details to come (including registration) for all of these events.
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A Closer Look at Coffee
About two-thirds of Americans drink coffee every day. The effects of coffee depend on things like how much you drink, your age, sex, medications, and even your genetics. Some benefits come from caffeine, and others come from natural compounds found in coffee. Coffee may be linked to a lower risk of:
- Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease in some people
- Metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease
- Gallstones and kidney stones
Coffee may also have other benefits that affect everyday life, such as:
- Increased alertness and focus
- Improved physical performance
- Better reaction time
- Mood boost
- Contains antioxidants
Coffee does have some risks, mostly due to caffeine.
- Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, headache, or increased heart rate
- May increase heartburn symptoms
- May increase frequency, urgency, and other urinary symptoms
- Coffee that’s made without a filter (like French press), has been linked to a rise in cholesterol levels
- Some studies link drinking 5 or more cups of coffee a day to lower bone density among some groups of women
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should limit caffeine consumption to 200mg per day
Not All Coffee is Made Equal
Different types of coffee have different nutritional values. A plain cup of black coffee is usually low in calories and sugar. But many specialty drinks (like flavored lattes or blended coffees) can have a lot of added sugar, syrups, whipped cream, and flavored creamers. Some of these drinks can have as much sugar as dessert. Enjoying them once in a while is fine, but it helps to pay attention to what’s in your cup.
Fun Facts!
Coffee has been around for hundreds of years and is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Here are some fun facts:
- Coffee beans are actually the seeds found inside coffee cherries.
- Espresso usually has more caffeine per ounce, but a large cup of drip coffee often contains more caffeine overall.
- Decaf coffee is not completely caffeine-free, it just contains much smaller amounts.
- Just the smell of coffee alone can help some people feel more awake and alert.
Coffee can be a comforting part of many people’s daily routine. Like most things in wellness, moderation is important. Whether it’s a simple morning cup or an occasional fun latte, paying attention to how coffee affects you can help you enjoy the benefits without overdoing it.
Learn more by clicking the link below.
Coffee and health: What does the research say? - Mayo Clinic
Healthy Recipe: Perfect Pan Fried Cod
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds cod (4 fillets)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (also called pimentón)*
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil, for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Finely chopped Italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, and kosher salt. Pat the cod dry and sprinkle all sides with the seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the butter and olive oil. When butter is melted, add the cod and cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip the cod and pour the lemon juice over the fish. Cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cod is tender and starts to flake when you prick it with a fork (adjust based on the thickness of the fillets).
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the parsley. Serve immediately, drizzled with the juices from the pan.
Perfect Pan Fried Cod – A Couple Cooks