Blog
Fun Alternative to Candy for Handing Out on Halloween
Halloween is almost here! Whether you are taking your kids out trick-or-treating or staying home to greet trick-or-treaters, it is sure to be a fun time seeing all the kiddos in their cute costumes having a blast. But for parents, it can be a little conflicting knowing their kids will be loading up on so much candy and sugar. So, at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we thought we would talk about some fun alternatives that kids will love to get for Halloween. If you have been looking for ideas on things to give out for Halloween that parents can feel good about and the little ones will enjoy, keep reading this blog. We have put together a list of fun Halloween items just to give you some ideas for consumable treats that aren’t all sugar, as well as toys and novelty items that will give the kids something to do.
Healthier Snacks
There are some snacks you can offer that aren’t loaded with sugar. Fruit snacks and fruit leather are much better options than candy. Yes, there will still be sugar in them, but there will also be things like fiber and antioxidants. Apple cider packets are another consumable treat to offer, keeping in mind it is a treat and not an everyday item. Local honey sticks are a sweet way to avoid processed sugar altogether and honey provides health benefits as well. You might also consider popcorn balls and goldfish crackers instead of candy.
Things to Play With
Sometimes kids are more in need of things to do than they are extra snacks to eat. What kid doesn’t become engrossed with a container of slime … or captivated by the actions of a slinky? Let them get some energy out with punch balloons or have fun with a bottle of bubbles. Kids love getting colorful stickers, too! You can even find mini glider planes and glow-in-the-dark bouncy balls for them to play with. When you buy them in bulk, these items can be very affordable.
Things to Wear
We have found some fun things that kids can wear that make Halloween even more festive. Think vampire teeth, spider rings, fake mustaches, and silly Halloween-themed eyeglasses! Or give the gift of added safety by passing out glow bracelets, LED rings, or mini flashlights.
Things to Use
What about giving out something that will actually last, and be useful AND fun? Pencil Top Erasers and Mini Erasers are a hit with kids, as well as Halloween Pencils, and stamp sets.
There really are a lot of fun alternatives that kids will enjoy getting on Halloween. Many of them last much longer than candy and can make you feel great about giving them out (or allowing your kids to have them). At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we know that staying healthy is a lifelong goal that really starts with childhood. The more you can teach your children healthy habits the more likely it will become a part of their lifestyle as they grow up. Besides, kids aren’t just hungry for things to eat, they are starving for things to do … why not give them a treat that offers just that. They will love it, and parents will too!
Central Ozarks Medical Center has been providing quality health care in Central Missouri since 1979 and is committed to leading the way to healthier communities. We do that in part by providing family medical care at the Lake of the Ozarks and primary care doctors in Osage Beach as well as Camdenton and Richland. You can see a complete list of services on our website. For more tips and information on health care and living healthier, be sure to follow us on social media using the channels listed below. We wish you a fun, healthy, and Happy Halloween, from everyone at Central Ozarks Medical Center!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterConnect with us on LinkedIn
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Ways Students Can Take Better Care of Their Health (Part One)
College is a great time in life, and you have spent years preparing for it with eager anticipation. But did part of your preparation include learning how to care for your health while living the college lifestyle? You might be surprised how often that is overlooked. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we know being healthy and taking care of yourself is an essential part of your college performance and experience. By taking into consideration a few things and developing some good habits to start, you can give yourself a great advantage in college and in life. If you would like to learn a few easy tips for taking good care of your health while at college, keep reading this blog! We are going to talk about some basic areas to focus on.
- Eat Right
We have all heard of the freshman 15 … those extra pounds many students gain their first year in college. It is so easy to get in the habit of surviving on fast food, junk food, snacks, and processed food. But with some awareness and a shift in mindset, healthy meals and snacks can be fast and satisfying. Start by having healthy snacks on hand like almonds, veggies, and fruits that are both filling and nutritious. Watch what you drink – and we don’t just mean alcohol. You would be surprised how many empty calories are in fruit juice, lattes, sodas, flavored teas, etc. Just substituting water in place of those sugary drinks can make a huge impact on your caloric intake. Finally, the more you can commit to cooking at home and eating whole foods, the more your body will benefit. Support your body, and it will support you!
2. Exercise
Sitting for hours every day is incredibly hard on our health over time. Since college involves hours of study time every day, being mindful of how much (or how little) you are moving is important. We know that it is a good mental break to spend 10 minutes or so of every hour resting from our studies, why not make that an exercise break? Use your break time as a trigger to remind you to get up and move. Do some push-ups or jumping jacks or go on a short, brisk walk. It will not only break up the monotony for you mentally, but it can help raise endorphins and boost your motivation when you get back to the books.
3. Proper Rest
Between schoolwork and social demands, college students can get themselves spread pretty thin. This is especially true if they also have to work while they are in college or if they have a family to take care of. It can be tempting to burn the candle at both ends and rely on coffee and energy drinks to get through the day, but the habits you develop now can affect you for life. You understand the importance of keeping your cell phone charged … your body needs to be recharged too. Just because it doesn’t shut down on you doesn’t mean it is not suffering or losing efficiency. Be as good to yourself as you are to your cell phone and set aside time to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each day.
College is something you have waited for all your life, and we want it to be everything you ever hoped for. We hope you have found these tips helpful, and we encourage you to check out next week’s blog as well where we will continue to share more ideas on how to take care of your health while in school. Central Ozarks Medical Center is committed to your good health for life, and that does not stop when you go to college. For all your medical, dental, and mental or behavioral health services at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can count on COMC to provide quality care regardless of your insurance status. After all, it is not just what we do, but how we do it that makes the difference. For more news and information on health care at the Lake of the Ozarks, follow us on social media using the links below.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterConnect with us on LinkedIn
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Just One Type of Therapy Available at Central Ozarks Medical Center
At Central Ozarks Medical Center your health is our mission and that includes your mental and dental health as well because we know they all affect each other. When it comes to mental and behavioral health services at the Lake of the Ozarks, one size does not fit all. That is why we offer a variety of therapies for an array of conditions to better meet the needs of our patients. In this blog, we are going to talk about one of those therapies, a commonly used therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If you or someone you love would benefit from learning to cope with unpleasant or stressful situations in a healthy and effective manner and are curious about how CBT works, keep reading this blog!
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common form of talk therapy that focuses on discovering negative or inaccurate thinking patterns. The goal in identifying negative thought patterns is to learn new ways to look at difficult or overwhelming situations and respond in a healthier or more effective manner.
What is CBT Used For?
CBT is used to treat a number of different issues and is a popular therapy because it allows you to quickly pinpoint different challenges and develop specific tools to cope with those challenges. It is often used to help with conditions such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, substance abuse, and more. It can be a great technique for people dealing with trauma from abuse, to help people manage chronic physical problems, to improve communication and conflict management in relationships, etc. As you might imagine, patients without mental health conditions also benefit from CBT because it can help them develop better tools for dealing with stressful life circumstances – and we all deal with stressful circumstances.
What Does CBT Therapy Look Like?
CBT is considered short-term therapy and usually will range from 5-20 structured sessions with a psychotherapist experienced in CBT. During those sessions, you will take steps to identify the stressful circumstances in your life that are challenging your coping skills. Once you know your stressors, you will learn to recognize your emotions, thoughts, and beliefs around those stressors. You will become more aware of your “self-talk” and your perspective on what the circumstance or situation means. For instance, if the stressor is going through a divorce, that may lead to a lot of negative beliefs about yourself that are not true or healthy. Being aware of those interpretations in our own minds is a necessary step in changing them. Once you are aware of those thought patterns, you may start to see ways in which your thinking or behavior is adding to the problem that is stressing you. Then you can learn how to redirect inaccurate thinking or negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, helpful, more effective responses.
As you can tell, CBT is a valuable tool for helping a wide variety of conditions and circumstances. It does not change your unpleasant situation or make the stressors go away, but it does empower you with ways to control how you let them affect you and develop healthier ways to look at yourself and your life. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, our behavioral and mental health care providers at the Lake of the Ozarks are dedicated to providing the care you need to help you cope with life in a healthy and productive manner. If you have any questions, or if you would like to find a therapist experienced in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, reach out to us today. A better way of looking at life is possible! For more news and information on health, behavioral and dental care in the lake area, follow us on social media using the links below.
Central Ozarks Medical CenterKeeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterConnect with us on LinkedIn
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Healthy Halloween Treats
Halloween is a fun time for kids and parents for so many reasons. Who doesn’t LOVE seeing the kids in their cute costumes? Then of course, there are the treats! But sometimes, all that sugar can be a lot to manage for parents wanting their kids (and themselves) to eat a healthy diet. Halloween just isn’t the same without some fun snacks. But they don’t have to be all sugar. Central Ozark Medical Center is all about empowering people to live healthy lifestyles at the Lake of the Ozarks. So, we thought we would share a few ideas on how to create some healthier Halloween snacks that are super fun and tasty! If that sounds interesting to you, keep reading today’s blog!
Apple Monsters
This is an easy twist on your standard apple slices and something the kids can help you make. Just cut (and core) an apple into slices. Spread peanut butter on one side of each slice and add “teeth” made of nuts or seeds or marshmallows and put them together like a sandwich. You can even add a tongue or eyes if you want. Be as creative or simple as you want.
Spidered Eggs
These are just like deviled eggs but with a spider on top! Prepare the eggs just like you normally would for deviled eggs. But once done, cut up some black olives to make mini spiders. Just cut an olive in half and use one half for the body. Then cut the other half into legs and assemble on top of the deviled eggs. They not only look cool and creepy, but they taste great too!
Bell Pepper Jack-O-Lanterns
This is so clever; you would think everyone would have noticed … bell peppers look like little pumpkins! Simply cut the top off and empty out the seeds, just like you would the real thing. Then carve out a face and fill it with your favorite veggies. Think of the different “hairstyles” you can create with your choice of vegetables and have fun with it!
Scary Sandwiches
In the same way you took two apple slices and turned them into a mouth or a face, you can use the same concept with a sandwich. Using jagged slices of cheese you can create teeth, with a long slice of pickle you can make a tongue sticking out, you can even make eyes out of green olives. Think about avocado toast made with an avocado spread and decorated to look like Frankenstein’s face. You can use black olive slices for hair, an egg slice and olive slice for eyes, and a red pepper slice for the mouth.
Have Fun!
While there are no set rules with any of these ideas, the point is to be creative and have some fun. You will be surprised what you can make with just a few ordinary grocery items and a little imagination. Grapes can become eyeballs; bananas can become ghosts. But you may be even more surprised by how much your family will enjoy participating and making memories around the kitchen table.
At Central Ozarks Medical Center, your health is our mission. We know that what makes us different is not just what we do but how we do it. We care about improving the overall health of the people in the communities we serve, and we believe that everyone should have access to quality health care at the Lake of the Ozarks regardless of their insurance status. That means making access to medical, dental, and mental health services available all in one place. We hope you enjoyed these ideas on how to make healthier snacks a part of your holiday this Halloween. For more tips on healthy living be sure to follow us on our social media channels listed below.
Central Ozarks Medical CenterKeeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterConnect with us on LinkedIn
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
7 Reasons a Career in Health Care Might Be Right for You
At Central Ozarks Medical Center we know that those who work in the health care industry are attracted to it for a variety of reasons. From our support staff to our medical providers at the Lake of the Ozarks, the draw may be different. Whether they like a constant change of pace and challenging work environment, or they prefer routine and organization, or they are compelled to make a difference in the lives of others, they can all find something that is a fit for them in the field of health care. If you are curious about what a career in health care could look like for you, keep reading this blog. We can’t wait to share 7 reasons it might be a great fit for you!
1) Fulfilling – Make a Difference
When you choose a career in health care you are spending each day helping people in one way or another. Having the skills and heart to make a difference in the lives of others goes further than your job. It uplifts families and the community, directly and indirectly, through the overall improvement of health in the individuals you care for and the community as a whole.
2) Job Security – Always In-Demand
The need for health care will never go away, and as the Baby Boomer population ages, the needs are already increasing. That being said, the skills you develop in your career in health care will always be in demand.
3) Flexibility – Find Work Anywhere
Health care is a 24/7 all-encompassing field and there are numerous positions and types of work available. Keep in mind health care includes mental and behavioral health as well as dental services. There is a need for people with all levels of education and skillsets, with lots of options for upward mobility. There is also demand for health care workers nationwide, which creates an opportunity to travel for work and find jobs in any state.
4) Earning Potential – Above Average
Most health care jobs provide wages that are above average. This is especially true with the high demand for health care workers right now. In some areas, a job in health care can be the most readily available professional-level job attainable, and your options could be wide open as far as the type of work you want to do.
5) Choices – Jobs of All Kinds
When people think about a career in health care, the first job that comes to mind is nursing. But a career in health care can be many different things. As mentioned, it also covers mental, dental, and medical health. Working in health care may mean working with kids, working with the elderly, helping people prepare for surgery, working in intensive care, or it may be clerical work or cleaning. No matter what your skillset, there is something in the health care field that you would be perfect at.
6) Variety – Every Day is Different
No two days are the same in health care. There is always something new, and you are usually looking to solve a problem or help a situation in some way at any given moment. You will get to employ your critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities on a constant basis and be able to learn and teach as you do.
7) Free Education & Training – Earn AND Learn
There are incredible resources out there including employer-funded and government programs that will help pay for your education in health care. Because of increasing demands in health care and ever-changing technologies, incentives have been created to encourage employees to grow and enhance their skills. That means you can get your education and earn a paycheck too!
At Central Ozarks Medical Center we know firsthand how fulfilling it is to make a difference in the lives and health of individuals and the communities where we live. We are happy we made the choice to enter the field and provide health care services at the Lake of the Ozarks and we want to share that opportunity with others as well. We are especially proud to operate each day on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality care regardless of insurance status. We know from experience that it is not just what we do at Central Ozarks Medical Center, but how we do it that makes all the difference. For all your medical, dental, and mental or behavioral health care at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here for you. For more news and health-related tips, follow us on our social medial channels listed below!
Central Ozarks Medical CenterKeeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterConnect with us on LinkedIn
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Finding Dental Services at the Lake of the Ozarks
Everyone loves a great smile. At Central Ozarks Medical Center we are proud to be a part of making great smiles happen with comprehensive dental services at the Lake of the Ozarks. But for us, it is not just about your smile, it is about your overall good health. It is easy to underestimate the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and having bi-annual checkups. But poor dental health can not only lead to cavities and gingivitis, it can also lead to numerous other health issues.
That is one reason why we consider it a priority to provide quality dental services to our client with or without insurance. If you are looking for a dentist at the Lake of the Ozarks, keep reading this week’s blog to learn about affordable and compassionate dental services available through COMC.
Our dental team is ready to serve you with state-of-the-art facilities providing a wide variety of services from routine cleanings, urgent care, and everything in-between. Our goal is to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles and to provide the highest quality dental care to keep your smile looking and functioning at its best.
Our comprehensive list of services include:
- Cleaning, Examinations, and X-rays
- Extractions
- Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges
- Partials and Dentures
- Pregnancy dental health
- Pediatric and teens
- Limited same-day services
Mobile Dental Unit.
For those patients who have the burden of traveling long distances to access a dentist and those located in isolated or rural communities, we offer our Mobile Dental Clinic. The Mobile Unit also offers dental care and oral health awareness to school districts located within Camden, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller counties.
Booking Your Appointment.
Booking your appointment is easy. Just click here or go to the “About Us” page and click on “Providers” to see a list of dentists available. Then call to schedule your dental appointment at the Lake of the Ozarks choosing location of your choice. Numbers are listed below and on our website as well.
At Central Ozarks Medical Center we are proud to be a health care resource providing health, dental, and behavioral services to the lake area community. Following our mission to improve access to quality health care for Camden, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller county residents, we knew that dental services must be a part of that care. As your one stop shop for the total health of your whole family, we provide personalized care for all our patients across the range of services we provide. Your comfort, well-being and positive experience is important to us. Whenever you are in need of health, dental and behavioral health care and preventative services, we are here for you in your local community, and we accept ALL patients regardless of insurance status.
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!
Healthy Side Dish Recipes for a Summer BBQ
Summer is still in full session! This means many of you are likely having BBQs with your loved ones. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks hope you enjoy this time with your loved ones. That being said, we took the liberty to find you a few healthy side recipes online. Keep reading this week’s blog to hear them.
Healthy Side Dish Recipes for a Summer BBQ
Source: https://cookieandkate.com/summertime-fruit-salad-recipe/
Summertime Fruit Salad
INGREDIENTS
1 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
3 medium peaches, thinly sliced (I peeled mine, but if you don’t mind the skin, you can leave it on)
6 ounces (1 cup) blueberries
1 heaping tablespoon fresh, chopped basil or mint
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium serving bowl, combine the strawberries, peaches, blueberries and basil. Drizzle the lemon juice, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar on top. Gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately, or chill for later. This salad is best enjoyed promptly, but will keep well for about 2 days in the refrigerator (pour off excess juices if necessary).
Source: https://cookieandkate.com/spicy-red-pepper-feta-dip-recipe/
Spicy Red Pepper & Feta Dip (Htipiti)
INGREDIENTS
One 8-ounce block of feta cheese, patted dry and cut into 1″ chunks or large crumbles (about 1 ⅔ cups)
½ cup roasted red peppers, patted dry and roughly chopped (1 to 1 ½ peppers)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for garnish
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit if sensitive to spice)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnishing (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
In the bowl of your food processor, combine the feta, bell pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and about 10 twists of freshly ground black pepper.
Process until the mixture is orange, fairly smooth, and you no longer see any big chunks of feta. Don’t overdo it; small bits of feta are good and over-processing this dip will make it gritty. Taste, and add additional cayenne pepper (up to ¼ teaspoon more) if you want it to be extra spicy. Blend briefly to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Smooth the top and create a few swooshes with a spoon. Lightly drizzle some olive oil on top, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for later. This dip will keep well in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days.
Source: https://cookieandkate.com/caprese-pasta-salad/
Caprese Pasta Salad
INGREDIENTS
6 ounces (2 cups) whole grain fusilli or rotini pasta
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
8 ounces mozzarella “pearls”, or one mozzarella ball, torn into bite-sized pieces
Several sprigs of fresh basil (enough for 2+ tablespoons chopped)
2 to 3 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar or regular balsamic vinegar, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, combine the olive oil, tomatoes and salt in a large, non-reactive skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cover the skillet (use a baking sheet if you don’t have a better lid). Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the tomatoes have started to burst out of their skins and the olive oil has a light red hue (about 6 to 12 minutes).
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes while you chop the basil. We don’t want the cheese to melt on contact, so wait to proceed to the next step until your pasta is lightly warm (not hot).
Stir the mozzarella balls and basil into the pasta. Add the vinegar, then taste and add additional vinegar and/or salt, if it doesn’t quite taste spectacular yet. For best flavor, let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes, so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce. Or, refrigerate it for future use.
This salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Leftovers are great chilled or at room temperature. You can also reheat the pasta if you don’t mind the mozzarella melting (yum).
All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that you enjoyed seeing these healthy recipes. We also hope that you enjoy them with your loved ones. 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
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Dental Care Habits to Establish with your Kiddos
Establishing proper oral care at a young age is important for your child’s oral development and health. It’s never too late to start focusing on proper oral hygiene and good oral care routines for your kiddos. A child’s mouth goes through many changes between birth and adolescence. Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we strive to set your child up for success by establishing good oral care routines at a young age. Our dentist in Richland, MO is here with some quick tips on how you can put an emphasis on proper oral care for your children.
Brush Twice a Day
It’s important that your children brush their teeth twice each day. Once in the morning and again before bed. This helps remove any plaque or food buildup that forms on the teeth throughout the day and night.
Floss Daily
Plaque quickly builds up between teeth causing decay of the tooth enamel. Once the tooth enamel has been penetrated, tooth decay can cause pain and tooth damage to your child’s teeth. This is why flossing once each day is so important for proper oral care.
Be Conscious About Nutrition
Teach your child about the importance of proper nutrition, not only for their overall health but their oral health, as well. Foods that are high in sugar are a nice treat every now & then but should not be a part of their daily diet. Try to make healthy snacks and food options readily available for those summertime and after-school snack sessions!
Replace Toothbrush on a Regular Basis
Toothbrush bristles wear out over time. It’s recommended to replace your child’s toothbrush every three months. It’s important that the toothbrush your child uses has new bristles so it cleans with the best efficiency.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Sticky foods and candy can cause damage to your child’s teeth. Sugary candy tends to stick to the tooth surface longer than other foods, where it mixes with the saliva and causes bacteria and plaque to build up. Try to reduce the amount of sticky food that your child consumes.
Schedule a Dental Check-Up
Routine check-ups with a dentist are important to monitor oral health. It’s advised to have your child visit the dentist every 6-months. Your dental provider will also help teach your child and reinforce positive oral routines.
Make it FUN!
The most important step in establishing good oral health care routines is to make it fun! Sing a silly song while your child brushes their teeth, get your child excited to floss, make a fun game out of eating healthy snacks, and create a positive vibe around visiting the dentist. These are all great ways to make your child’s oral care routine more fun and something they look forward to doing!
Now is the right time to put an emphasis on proper oral hygiene for your children. Our dental center in Richland, MO is here for all of your dental care needs. We provide family dental services, as well as dentures and restorative services. Contact our office today to schedule a dental appointment for your children this summer. It’s the perfect way to get them on track and ready for the new school year with a clean and happy smile!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
3 Healthy Summer Snack Recipes For Kids
Who’s ready for summer? There are so many fun things to do with your family this time of year at the Lake of the Ozarks. While the temptation may be in the air, when it comes to food, with the BBQs and fish frys, but there are HEALTHY, delicious summer recipes out there for you that can keep you and your kiddos happy. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you 3 healthy summer snack recipes for kids, we found online, in this week’s blog.
3 Healthy Summer Snack Recipes For Kids
Source: https://www.superhealthykids.com/recipes/4-ingredient-cheesy-carrot-crackers
1. 4 Ingredient Cheesy Carrot Crackers
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 large egg
1 cup flour, whole wheat
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix the grated carrot and water in a microwave safe bowl. Cover and cook in high for 3 minutes.
Drain the carrots and then use a clean cloth to squeeze out the excess liquid.
Put the carrots, cheese and eggs in a food processor and pulse until well blended. You can process them more or less, depending on the texture you want. The more you do, they less obvious the carrot will be. ?
Add the flour 1/4 cup at a time, pulsing in-between, just until you reach a dough consistency. You don’t want it to be too sticky, or too dry.
Lightly flour your work surface, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut to desired shapes. I just used a pizza cutter to cut long strips and then small 1 inch squares.
Put shapes on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Sprinkle with a little course sea salt (optional).
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are crispy and slightly brown on the edges.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Source: https://www.superhealthykids.com/recipes/quinoa-stuffed-mini-bell-nachos/
2. Quinoa Stuffed Mini Bell Nachos Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb mini bell peppers
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Toppings
olives
green onion
cilantro
tomatoes
cheddar cheese
plain Greek yogurt
salsa
Instructions
Rinse peppers, slice in half and scoop seeds out.
Lay on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat liner.
To cook quinoa, use this method.
When cooked, fluff with a fork and add taco seasoning.
Stuff each pepper with quinoa.
Sprinkle desired toppings on the stuffed peppers.
Place in the oven heated to Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven.
Place a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and salsa on each nacho.
Serve warm.
Source: http://blog.feelgreatin8.com/strawberry-salsa-baked-cinnamon-chips/
3. STRAWBERRY SALSA & BAKED CINNAMON CHIPS
Serves: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
Strawberry Salsa
1 lb fresh strawberries, chopped
2 whole kiwi, peeled and chopped
½ a lime, juiced
Baked Cinnamon Chips
4 Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas
1 teaspoon unrefined coconut oil, melted
2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 teaspoon raw coconut sugar in shaker bottle
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Wash and chop the fruit for the salsa, mix it together in a bowl, and add the lime juice. If it needs a little sweetness you can add a teaspoon of honey or pure maple syrup, but the fruit will usually be sweet enough on it’s own.
Brush both sides of the tortillas with melted coconut oil. Then stack them all together and cut into 8 triangles.
Arrange the triangles in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with foil. If they overlap, they won’t crisp as well.
Sprinkle each triangle lightly with the cinnamon mixture. Flip them over and sprinkle the other side too.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through, and make sure you check the chips often so that they don’t burn. They are finished when the edges get dry and crispy. The center will still be slightly flexible, but they will crisp even more as they cool.
Allow to cool slightly and test the texture. If they aren’t quite crisp enough, return to the oven for 2-3 minutes.
Once they are mostly cool, remove from the pan and enjoy with your fresh salsa! Keep leftovers of salsa in the fridge and eat quickly, after about 24 hours the fruit will breakdown and get soupy. Keep leftover chips in a sealed ziplock bag.
Have A Happy, Healthy Summer!
All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that you have a fun summer with your loved ones. Do you have an established family doctor at the Lake of the Ozarks yet? If not, consider Central Ozarks Medical Center. We have been providing quality health care in Central Missouri since 1979. To learn more about our services and physicians, please visit our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Summer Health Tips for Children
Summer is right around the corner! Summer officially starts Sunday, June 20th. What do you have planned for this summer? Do you have any special plans with your children? Maybe you plan to take a bunch of boating trips or go on an epic summer vacation somewhere. Whatever your plans may be, we hope that you all have a fun but safe summer. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few summer health tips for your children in this week’s blog. If you’re looking for a new pediatrician at the Lake of the Ozarks for your children, consider Central Ozarks Medical Center. From their first heartbeat, you want to give your children the best of everything…including the best medical care.
 |
Summer Health Tips for Children
SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN
Did you know that over exposure to sunlight as a child can lead to melanoma in their future? This is not meant to be a scare tactic, just simply a tip. Protect your children from harmful sun rays when possible. Make sure your kids have sunscreen on before they go outside, 15 SPF or higher. Sunhats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing that covers the skin aren’t bad ideas either.
BE ALERT AT ALL TIMES.
Do your kids LOVE to swim? Do they love to be active and run around outside? If so, GREAT, those are both good forms of fun exercise. However, don’t take your eyes off of them while doing activities like this. Put your cell phones down and if you’re going to talk to other parents, do so in a way where you can still watch your kids. It only takes seconds for an accident to occur. Again, this is meant to be a scare tactic, just a helpful tip. Be present with your children this summer.
INVEST IN BUG SPRAY.
Be sure to check your kids for ticks this summer. They are so thick right now! If your child gets stung by an insect of some kind, monitor them for allergic reactions. If they do appear to have some sort of medical reaction be sure to take them to a doctor right away. When you spray your children with bug spray, keep it out of their eyes and re apply it idf happens to get washed off if they go swimming.
PREPARE HEALTHY SNACKS FOR ON-THE-GO AHEAD OF TIME.
A busy summer does NOT have to mean drive-thru food all the time. Meal plan! Chop of some vegetables and bring some ranch or whatever your child’s favorite dipping sauce may be. Bring fruits and veggies to your cramping trips, sporting events, lake days, etc.
Pediatric Services at the Lake of the Ozarks
All of us here at COMC hope that you found this blog helpful. We wish you a fun but safe summer! If you’re looking to book an appointment with a Lake of the Ozarks Pediatrician, consider COMC. COMC providers child-focused healthcare. Parent education is a goal of our providers at COMC, from birth to 18 years of age. Our comprehensive services include:
- Well-child exams
- Diagnostic tests
- Follow-up of chronic problems
- Immunizations
- Sports Screenings
- Evaluation and management of growth and health-maintenance.
- Autism testing
To learn more, give us a call today. All phone numbers to our locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Recent Comments