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Immune Boosting Recipes For Winter 2020
2020 has been challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic, but we will get through this together! Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to say do everything you can to keep your immune system boosted. Keep reading this week’s blog for a few immune boosting recipes we found online you can try this winter season! At Central Ozarks Medical Center, it’s not just about what we do, but how we do it that matters.
Immune Boosting Recipes For Winter 2020
Source: https://iheartvegetables.com/immunity-boosting-soup/
Immunity Boosting Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 large sweet potato, (about 1/2 lb) diced into ½” cubes
1 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup red lentils, uncooked and rinsed
5 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup kale, destemmed and torn into 1” pieces
Salt to taste
Instructions
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute.
Add the onion and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the garlic and ginger and continue to cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the turmeric and paprika and continue to cook for 1 minute.
Add the lemon juice, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, red lentils, and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potato is soft.
Add kale and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the kale has softened and wilted slightly.
Season with salt to taste.
THE ULTIMATE IMMUNE-BOOSTING SOUP
Source: https://www.thehealthymaven.com/the-ultimate-immune-boosting-soup/
INGREDIENTS
1 T coconut oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 lb shitake mushrooms
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp turmeric
12 cups water
4 heads baby bok choy, bottoms chopped off
1/2 head kale, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Chop off the bottom of the stem from your mushrooms and discard. Seperate stems from tops and slice tops and remaining stem if necessary, into large pieces. You will only discard the very bottom of the stems, not the full stems as they contain many nutritional benefits!
Heat up coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until translucent.
Add in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add in celery and mushrooms and sautee for about 10 minutes or until mushrooms have wilted.
Add in spices (including ginger, if using) and water and bring to a boil.
Then let simmer, covered for 1 hour or as long as you want (the longer you leave, the better!)
Add bok choy and kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking to wilt.
Serve warm or store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Source: https://www.eatyourselfskinny.com/detox-immune-boosting-chicken-soup/
DETOX IMMUNE-BOOSTING CHICKEN SOUP
INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 large celery stalks, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
10 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken stock
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups baby kale leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat and sauté onion, celery and carrots, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking another 3 minutes.
Stir in the chicken stock, bay leaves, turmeric, crushed red pepper, salt and chickpeas; bringing to a boil. Mix in shredded chicken, cover and turn down heat to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Add kale, cover and simmer an additional 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves, serve and enjoy!
All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that you enjoyed reading these immune boosting recipes. Please remember:
All COMC locations are open! If you have a scheduled appointment, please call ahead if you have a fever, cough, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. COMC dental clinics are open and serving patients with dental emergencies. Call one of our locations to schedule your next in-person or telehealth visit.
Be sure to follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
How To Keep Your Children From Being Intimidated By The Dentist
Has your child ever expressed a feeling of fear when it comes to the dentist? If so, this is the blog for you! Our dentists in Richland, MO are here to give you a few tips for keeping your children from being intimidated by the dentist in this week’s blog. If you are looking for a dentist you can depend on for your children, consider Central Ozarks Medical Center. You can call 573.765.2510 to make an appointment.
How To Keep Your Children From Being Intimidated By The Dentist
GET YOUR CHILDREN USED TO THE DENTIST BY TAKING THEM AT A YOUNG AGE.
The earlier you start taking your kids to the dentist, the better. Taking your child to the dentist earlier on in life gives them more time to get used to the cleanings and regular check-ups.
MAKE A GOING TO THE DENTIST GAME FOR YOUR KIDS.
Pretend like you have a dentist’s office in the comfort of your own home and act like you are your child’s dentist. Show your kids how the dentist really isn’t that bad by going through a routine check-up. Count their teeth and try holding up a mirror and showing them their teeth. You’ll obviously want to avoid making drill noises. The point here is to make a dentist office visit sound fun rather than scary.
KEEP OTHERS FROM MISLEADING YOUR CHILD ABOUT THE DENTIST.
Your youngest child could be having a harder time adjusting to the idea of going to the dentist if their older siblings are constantly trying to scare them with made up stories. Be mindful of this and put a stop to it as soon as you can. You don’t want your youngest child to feel even more intimidated.
DISTRACTION CAN BE KEY.
Ask the dentist if you can go back with your child. This way you can talk to your child and distract them while the dentist may be reaching for a “scary-looking” instrument.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
If you have a fear of going to the dentist, then your kid’s are probably going to have a fear as well. Set a good example by going to your regular check-ups and pointing out the positive advantages to going on a regular basis, such as having a better chance at cavity prevention or tooth decay.
Our Dentists in Richland Are Here To Help!
If your children are constantly showing signs that they are scared to go to the dentist, we hope that this blog helped you and that you found it enlightening. Our dentists are kind and make sure that our patients of ALL ages feel comfortable is a priority. To make a dental appointment for your child today, please call 573.765.2510. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements and health tips.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Healthy Fall-Themed Dinner Recipes
Fall is such a GREAT season, isn’t it? Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a couple of HEALTHY fall-themed dinner recipes we found online, in this week’s blog. It may be tempting sometimes to overeat or eat something unhealthy around this time of year, but if you have a weight loss goal you’re working on, we support you! You can do this! If you are working on yourself health-wise and would like to schedule a health check-up with an experienced physician at the Lake of the Ozarks, please call Central Ozarks Medical Center today. You will find our Primary Healthcare Providers and phone numbers on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.
Healthy Fall-Themed Dinner Recipes
Source: https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/skillet-apple-pork-chops
Skillet Apple Pork Chops
Ingredients
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 (6-oz.) bone-in pork chops
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
½ cup unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 medium apples, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly vertically sliced
Directions
Step 1
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Sprinkle pork chops evenly with 3/8 teaspoon salt and 3/8 teaspoon pepper. Add pork chops to pan; cook 5 minutes on each side or until pork chops are done. Remove from pan.
Step 2
Combine stock and mustard, stirring with a whisk. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl. Add remaining 3/8 teaspoon salt, remaining 3/8 teaspoon pepper, sage, rosemary, apple, and onion to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in stock mixture. Return pork chops to pan; cook 3 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.
Source: https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-gnocchi-dumpling-soup
Chicken and Gnocchi Dumpling Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 ½ cups chopped red onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrot
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
5 cups unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson), divided
8 ounces whole-wheat gnocchi (such as Gia Russa)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup frozen green peas
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil; swirl to coat. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add chicken to pan; cook 5 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from pan.
Step 2
Add onion, celery, carrot, rosemary, and thyme to pan; cook 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add 4 cups stock, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes. Add gnocchi to pan; cook 3 minutes or until gnocchi float to the surface.
Step 3
Combine the remaining 1 cup stock and flour in a bowl, stirring with a whisk. Slowly add stock mixture to the pan, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in chicken and peas; cook 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
Happy Fall Everyone!
All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that enjoyed reading these healthy fall dinner recipes and we hope that we’ve encouraged you to eat healthy! If you are looking to improve your health and would like to schedule a health check-up with one of our experienced Primary Care Providers at the Lake of the Ozarks, please give us a call today!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
October 2020: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks want to do everything we can to spread awareness about this. Keep reading this week’s blog for a few important statistics concerning Breast Cancer that we found on BREASTCANCER.ORG. If you or someone you know is showing any sort of symptoms of breast cancer, contact your physician at the Lake of the Ozarks as soon as possible for a check-up. Central Ozarks Medical Center – It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it that matters here.
BREAST CANCER STATISTICS FROM THE BREASTCANCER.ORG
About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
About 2,620 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2020. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 883.
About 42,170 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2020 from breast cancer. Death rates have been steady in women under 50 since 2007, but have continued to drop in women over 50. The overall death rate from breast cancer decreased by 1.3% per year from 2013 to 2017. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances and earlier detection through screening.
For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
As of January 2020, there are more than 3.5 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.
Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2020, it’s estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in Black women than white women. Overall, Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer. For Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women, the risk of developing and dying from breast cancer is lower. Ashkenazi Jewish women have a higher risk of breast cancer because of a higher rate of BRCA mutations.
Breast cancer incidence rates in the U.S. began decreasing in the year 2000, after increasing for the previous two decades. They dropped by 7% from 2002 to 2003 alone. One theory is that this decrease was partially due to the reduced use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women after the results of a large study called the Women’s Health Initiative were published in 2002. These results suggested a connection between HRT and increased breast cancer risk. In recent years, incidence rates have increased slightly by 0.3% per year.
Source: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics
Need To Schedule Your Yearly Health Check-Up Still?
Contact Central Ozarks Medical Center today. We can be reached at the phone numbers listed on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. You can also stay up to date on our latest announcements, events we are hosting, and health tips by following us on our social media channels listed below
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Flu Season 2020: What Can You Do To Not Catch The Flu?
With COVID-19 being in full effect this year, you’ve probably realized that it has been one of the main focuses in health care. However, flu season is here and our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to give you a few tips to try and prevent yourself from catching it. If you are in need of a flu shot or have questions about where you can get one, please call Central Ozarks Medical Center today. We have multiple locations throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area. Our phone numbers can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.
Flu Season 2020: What Can You Do To Not Catch The Flu?
SANITIZE, SANITIZE, SANITIZE.
You should try and get in the habit of cleaning all of the shared surfaces in your home once a day. You should clean your desk at work also once a day. Take the five minutes to give all your surfaces a wipe down with a rag and an anti-bacterial cleaner. You never know who may have touched that surfaces and if they had the flu or were carrying it.
REFRAIN FROM SHARING MEALS AND DRINKS WITH OTHERS.
If you share the food you are likely touching the same plate or bowl that someone else touched and that someone else may have an illness.
SCHEDULE YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY.
The flu shot is known as the BEST defense against getting the flu. Even if you have never gotten the flu before, there is a first time for everything. It’s worth it to prevent yourself from getting this illness.
IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND STAY STRONG.
A healthy immune system will help you fight off the flu and you can keep your immune system healthy by doing a number of things, such as:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Maintaining a healthy BMI
…and so much more.
PRACTICE GOOD HAND HYGIENE.
Be sure to wash your hand after any time you touch a shared surface. If you are unable to wash your hands, then use an anti-bacterial wipe that has at least sixty percent alcohol in it. All of this may sound excessive to you, but it’s worth doing if you don’t want to catch the flu. It happens quicker and easier than you might think.
Need a Flu Shot at the Lake of the Ozarks?
Please call Central Ozarks Medical Center, you can find all of our phone numbers below. We hope you found this blog helpful. Stay healthy and spread the word on how to prevent catching the flu. This is a tough year for everyone and there’s no need to add on to the stress by catching the flu. Remember, here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, it’s not just about what we do, but how we do it that matters.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Where Can I Get A COVID-19 Test?
COVID-19 is still very real and the pandemic is still happening. Many have sought out to get tested. If you are feeling any sort of COVID-19 symptoms, such as shortness of breath, a fever, or dry cough for example, and are considering getting a test, but are not sure where to go, this is the blog for you! Keep reading this week’s blog to learn where Central Ozarks Medical Center is offering FREE drive-thru COVID-19 testing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call (573) 836-7015.
Where Can I Get A COVID-19 Test?
Many have probably asked this question in the past.
We offer community testing through drive-thrus. Testing is FREE of charge and you don’t need a physician’s order to get one.
COMC is still offering testing weekly on the following days and locations:
Tuesday: 5-7pm Osage Beach
Osage Beach Medical
3870 Columbia Ave
Osage Beach, MO
(573) 302-7490
Wednesday: 5-7pm Richland
Richland Medical & Dental
304 W. Washington Ave.
Richland, MO 65556
Medical (573) 765-5141
Dental (573) 765-2510
Thursday: 5-7pm Camdenton
Camdenton Medical & Dental
1652 Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
(573) 346-4446
If you have any questions regarding the Drive-Thru testing or would like our team to test on-site at another location, please contact: Ashley McDonnell at (573) 836-7015.
Central Ozarks Medical Center is Leading The Way To Healthier Communities!
We use the nasal swab COVID-19 test and are very quick and efficient about this process. If you are worried you may have COVID-19 and just wanted to get tested to get the answers you seek, come see us at one of the locations listed above. You shouldn’t worry until you know for sure. If you have any questions, again please call Ashley McDonnell at (573) 836-7015. You can also stay updated on everything we have going on by visiting our website listed below. Stay safe and healthy, everyone!
PLEASE REMEMBER:
All COMC locations are open! If you have a scheduled appointment, please call ahead if you have a fever, cough, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. COMC dental clinics are open and serving patients with dental emergencies. Call one of our locations to schedule your next in-person or telehealth visit.
Our mission is to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventative health care and to improve the health care status of underserved and vulnerable populations in Camden, Laclede, Miller and Pulaski Counties. Our belief is that it is not just what we do here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, but how we do it that makes all the difference.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Where Can I Book a Dental Appointment at the Lake of the Ozarks?
Propper dental care is such an important part of staying healthy physically. Often times, people may overlook the significance behind simply brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Bad oral care can not only lead to cavities or even gingivitis but in some cases heart disease. Having a regular bi-annual dental appointment at the Lake of the Ozarks booked is crucial. If you are looking for a new dentist in the Lake of the Ozarks area you can rely on, consider Central Ozarks Medical Center. Keep reading this week’s blog to learn which COMC clinics you can receive dental care at and for some information on our dental providers.
Where Can I Book a Dental Appointment at the Lake of the Ozarks?
Richland Dental Center
Services Offered:
Family Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Dentures/Restorative
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ADDRESS
304 W Washington Ave
Richland, MO 65556
P: 573.765.2510
F: 573.765.2513
Camdenton Medical Center
Services Offered:
Medical Services
Dental Services
Behavioral Health
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ADDRESS
1652 N. Business Route 5
PO Box 3050
Camdenton, MO 65020
P: 573.346.4446
F: 573.346.7501
Oral Health Providers
Evan Reynolds, DDS
Evan Reynolds is an honors graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and the University of Tennessee-College of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
Dr. Reynolds joined Central Ozarks Dental Center in May of 2015.
Dr. Reynolds is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry as well as a member of the Central Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association and American Dental Association and has a professional working proficiency in Spanish.
When he is not working in the clinic, Dr. Reynolds spends his time enjoying the many great fishing and hiking locations around the Ozarks, playing the piano and following his ill-fated Vanderbilt Commodore athletic teams.
Casey Page, RDH, CDA, EFDA
Casey Page joined the Central Ozarks Medical Center Dental clinic in February of 2018.
Casey attended Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, MO where she graduated with her Associates in Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting with expanded functions. She is passionate about caring for her patients and their oral health needs, bringing a comforting, gentle touch to her patient care.
Casey is an active member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and is currently serving as secretary on the Missouri Dental Hygienist’s Association state board. She is enjoying learning more about the professional organization and how she can be more involved.
Casey enjoys riding with her husband on their Harley Davidson motorcycle and spending time with their four beautiful children, two of which are twin girls! She is a very busy and proud mother!
Our team here at Central Ozarks Medical Center is constantly growing and our list of dental providers may change as we grow. Check our website at www.CentralOzarks.org for the latest updates.
Are You Ready To Book Your Dental Appointment?
Consider contacting one of our locations listed above. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements. You can also check our website listed below to see the other MANY healthcare services we provide to our communities. Remember, it’s not just about WHAT we do at COMC, but HOW we do it that matters!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Healthy After-School Snack Recipes
Your kids are going to back to school soon! Can you believe summer is coming to an end already? Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks understand how busy life can feel when your kids go back to school. So, we have compiled a few quick and easy, but HEALTHY back to school snack recipes for you in this week’s blog.
Source: https://iambaker.net/apple-nachos/
Apple Nachos with Peanut Butter
INGREDIENTS
2 apples, cut into thin slices
1/3 creamy peanut butter, melted
1/4 cup peanut butter granola
1/4 cup peanut cut into small pieces
INSTRUCTIONS
Arrange apple slices on a plate.
Drizzle melted peanut butter over apple slices with a spoon, top with granola, and crushed peanuts. Use remaining peanut butter for dipping.
Source: https://www.food.com/recipe/easy-pita-bread-pizza-110067#activity-feed
EASY PITA BREAD PIZZA
INGREDIENTS
1 pita bread
2 tablespoons spaghetti or 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
1⁄4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
spices (oregano, basil, garlic powder) or dried herbs (oregano, basil, garlic powder)
olive oil (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Brush on a little olive oil on the pita.
Spread sauce on top of the pita.
Sprinkle on the shredded cheese.
Sprinkle on pinches of desired herbs and spices, and add any toppings you’d like.
Place on baking sheet, bake for 5-7 minutes at 400°, or until cheese is melted (times may vary).
Slice with pizza cutter and enjoy!
Source: https://www.averiecooks.com/parmesan-ranch-snack-mix/
Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix (no-bake)
INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup canola, vegetable, or olive oil
1 one-ounce packet ranch dip seasoning mix powder
4 cups popcorn, popped (2 to 3 tablespoons unpopped kernels)
3 1/2 cups pretzels
3/4 cup peanuts, almonds, cashews, or favorite nuts or mixed nuts, optional
3 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the oil, ranch mix, and stir to combine. Add the popcorn, pretzels, nuts, and optional ingredients (see below). Tip to make popcorn easily – add 2 to 3 tablespoons unpopped kernels to a brown paper lunch bag, fold the top down twice, and heat for about 90 seconds on high power – don’t add oil, butter, or anything else, just the kernels.
Toss to evenly coat the mixture; it may seem a bit on the oily side, this is okay and it absorbs. Heat on high power for 2 minutes, stopping after 1 minute to toss the mixture because the oil has a tendency to pool at the bottom of the bowl. Add the Parmesan and toss to coat evenly. Serve mix immediately. Mix will keep for up to three days in an airtight container or large ziptop plastic bag; but is best enjoyed same day, noting that cheese has been added and some may wish to refrigerate the mix if storing it longer term.
Optional Variations – Can be added instead of or in combination with the other dry ingredients: Coarsely crushed saltines, oyster crackers, Club or Ritz crackers, rye crisps, Asian-style rice crackers, tortilla or potato chips, favorite gourmet or specialty crackers, cashews, almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, pistachios. For a spicy version, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper, to taste.
Need a Sports Physical For Your Child?
Consider Central Ozarks Medical Center for your entire family’s health care needs. To see where you can go for your child’s sports physical, please visit our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. Follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest health tips.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Make Your Own Healthy Popsicles to Stay Cool this Summer!
Summer is in full swing and the weather is heating up! One of the best ways to enjoy a summertime treat is with some tasty popsicles! The downside — many store-bought popsicles are LOADED with added sugar, preservatives, and dyes that make them not always the best choice for keeping kids and adults healthy. The upside — you can make healthier versions at home that are just as delicious and a lot of fun to make! Read on to get a few recipes from our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Minty Watermelon Popsicles
3 cups watermelon slices, divided
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
1 ½ cups coconut water
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
- In a blender, puree 2 ½ cups diced watermelon pieces, mint leaves, coconut water, lime juice, and honey. Cut the remaining ½ cup watermelon slices into ¼-inch cubes.
- Evenly divide the diced watermelon into the molds, tapping them down to the bottom.
- Stir the popsicle mixture then evenly divide it among the popsicle molds.
- Insert the popsicle sticks, if it does not stay in place use a piece of tape to hold them into place. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
Fresh Fruit Popsicle
Ingredients
2 Kiwis
2 Peaches
1 cup Strawberries
1/2 cup Raspberries
1/2 cup Blueberries
2 cups Apple Juice
Instructions
- Peel and slice the kiwis and peaches into 1/4″ slices. Slice the strawberries into thirds.
- Carefully press the strawberry, kiwi and peach slices against the sides and bottom of each mold. Add blueberries and raspberries to fill any gaps as you go.
- Use a popsicle stick to press the fruit against the sides of the mold. (So you’ll be able to see it better when the juice freezes.)
- Add as much fruit as you can fit into the mold, continuing to press it against the sides
- Fill the molds with apple juice, leaving about 1/4″ of space at the top for the juice to expand when it freezes.
- Insert a popsicle stick in the middle of each popsicle, between the 2 layers of fruit.
- Freeze the popsicles overnight (or a minimum of 4 to 6 hours).
- Run the molds under hot water to help the popsicles release.
Tropical Fruit Pops
Ingredients
4 oz frozen mango
4 oz fresh pineapple
4 oz frozen strawberries
1/2 banana or 2-3 oz extra berry, mango, or pineapple
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
1/4 cup fresh orange juice (lemon or lime juice work great too)
Instructions
- Combine mango, pineapple, 1/2 cup almond milk, and 2 TBSP orange juice in you blender and blend until pureed.
- Pulse honey in at the end for best results
- Set mixture aside by pouring into in a measuring cup with a pourable spout, if you have one.
- Next, add strawberry and banana (or 2-3 extra ounces of your fruit of choice) to the blender with 1/2 cup almond milk and 2 TBSP orange juice and blend.
- Pulse in honey at the end and set aside.
- Using about half the mango-pineapple mixture, pour a little into each pop mold.
- Top with your strawberry layer then repeat with the remaining mango mixture.
- Insert a pop stick into each mixture and swirl together. You can also pop the mold into the freezer between each layer for a pretty striped pop. I go the easy swirl-y route, haha!
- Leave a little bit of empty space at the top of each pop mold, pops will expand when they freeze.
- Freeze until solid: Approx. 5 hours or overnight.
Central Ozarks Medical Center wishes you and your family a happy, safe, and healthy summer! Enjoy these tasty recipes and have fun making them with the family! If you need to make an appointment with us, feel free to give us a call. Our clinics are committed to the highest level of care for all patients!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Health Tips To Keep In Mind While On Vacation
Do you have a big family vacation coming up soon? If so, congratulations! Family time can be the best! Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks wish you a fun, but safe time. A huge part of being safe is staying HEALTHY. Keep reading this week’s blog for a few health tips to keep in mind while on vacation. If you would like to get a health check-up at the Lake of the Ozarks scheduled BEFORE your vacation starts, just for some peace of mind, please call Central Ozarks Medical Center today. We have several locations throughout the Lake of the Ozarks and Richland areas. All phone numbers and addresses can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. Central Ozarks Medical Center – It’s not just about WHAT we do, but HOW we do it that makes ALL the difference.
Health Tips To Keep In Mind While On Vacation
Walk, Walk, and Walk.
Walking can be a GREAT form of exercise. Also, who doesn’t love to explore while they are on vacation? WALK to that special landmark you want to check out. WALK down the stairs instead of taking the elevator in your hotel. WALK whenever possible while on vacation and stretch your legs. You may even be surprised at how relaxing it is to walk more, when possible, versus driving. Really take this new place in. You’re exercising, but having fun all at the same time!
Keep Drinking Plenty of Water.
Some vacations can feel like you’re constantly on-the-go. You may end up drinking whatever is convenient, but you need to make a point to still drink plenty of water while you are vacation. Stay hydrated and give your body the water it needs. Just because there is a soda machine nearby, that doesn’t mean you need to have one. Stay prepared, bring yourself a refillable water bottle. Water is usually FREE. Save that soda money and enjoy a refreshing drink of water!
Don’t Forget to Sleep.
Sometimes, when your routine gets changed, and yes, that can happen while on vacation, your sleep may be affected. It’s still important that you get your 7-8 hours of sleep each night, regardless if you are on vacation or not. Try a few breathing exercises before bed if you’re struggling to fall asleep. Calm your body and get to a comfortable state of mind.
Have Peace of Mind Regarding Your Health Before You Go On Vacation With COMC!
Getting a health check-up and making sure you have nothing to worry about BEFORE you go on vacation can really give you that peace of mind that you’re craving. If you are concerned about something, get your answers BEFORE you leave, so you best know how to prepare yourself. We can help with that. Call Central Ozarks Medical Center today. We serve patients of all ages and accept patients with and without insurance and offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. For all phone numbers and locations, please visit our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141
Richland
573.302.7490
Osage Beach
573.346.4446
Camdenton
573.765.2510
Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
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