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A Mission for Nutrition

Setting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track.

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Accomplish health goals with better-for-you family meals

(Family Features) Setting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track.

Connecting an array of recipes that all can agree on starts with versatile ingredients like dairy. Gathering at the table with your loved ones while enjoying delicious, nutritious recipes featuring yogurt, cheese and milk can nourish both body and soul.

For example, the key dairy ingredients in these recipes from Milk Means More provide essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The cheese varieties in Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes and 15-Minute Weeknight Pasta provide vitamin B12 for healthy brain and nerve cell development and are a good source of calcium and protein, which are important for building and maintaining healthy bones. Meanwhile, the homemade yogurt sauce served alongside these Grilled Chicken Gyros provides protein and zinc.

To find more nutritious meal ideas to fuel your family’s health goals, visit MilkMeansMore.org.

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Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into four serving-size pieces
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
  1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or dill weed, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  3. Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork.
  4. Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.
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Grilled Chicken Gyros

Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of “Comfortably Domestic” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes chill time
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Chicken:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 1/2 cups plain, whole-milk yogurt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3-4 small loaves whole-wheat pita bread, halved lengthwise
  • 1 cup thinly sliced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  1. To make chicken: Place melted butter, dill, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper in gallon-size zip-top freezer bag. Seal bag and shake contents to combine. Add chicken. Seal bag, pressing air out of bag. Shake chicken to coat with marinade. Refrigerate chicken in marinade 30 minutes.
  2. To make yogurt sauce: Stir yogurt, lemon juice, diced cucumber, dill, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover sauce and refrigerate.
  3. Heat grill to medium heat.
  4. Grill chicken over direct heat, about 10 minutes per side, until cooked through. Transfer chicken to cutting board and rest 10 minutes. Thinly slice chicken across grain.
  5. Serve chicken on pita bread with tomatoes, red onion and yogurt sauce.
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15-Minute Weeknight Pasta

Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of “Comfortably Domestic” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

  • 6 quarts water
  • 16 ounces linguine or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
  • 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced sweet bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup smoked provolone cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
  1. Bring water to rolling boil and prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente texture, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
  2. In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in onions, carrots and sweet bell peppers. Saute vegetables about 5 minutes, or until they brighten in color and begin to soften. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and garlic. Cook and stir 1 minute to allow tomatoes to release juices.
  3. Pour reserved pasta water into skillet, stirring well. Bring sauce to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings, as desired.
  4. Transfer drained pasta to skillet along with lemon zest and smoked provolone cheese, tossing well to coat. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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SOURCE:
United Dairy Industry of Michigan

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

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Consumer Corner

EXKA SELECTS SOLLUM’S DYNAMIC LED GROW LIGHT SOLUTION FOR ENHANCED CANNABIS PRODUCTION

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SOLLUM’S LIGHTING SOLUTION CHOSEN TO BOOST CANNABIS PRODUCTION

MONTRÉAL /CNW/ – Sollum Technologies is pleased to announce that EXKA, a leading cannabis producer in Québec, Canada, has chosen Sollum’s cutting-edge dynamic LED grow light solution as part of the expansion of their state-of-the art greenhouse facilities in Mirabel. This partnership marks a significant milestone in EXKA’s production capabilities, with the company increasing its greenhouse footprint by 50%.

This decision reflects EXKA’s commitment to leveraging advanced and sustainable lighting strategies to boost production efficiency and crop quality.

CANNABIS
EXKA, a leading cannabis producer in Québec, Canada, has chosen Sollum Technologies’ cutting-edge dynamic LED grow light solution as part of the expansion of their state-of-the art greenhouse facilities in Mirabel. This partnership marks a significant milestone in EXKA’s production capabilities, with the company increasing its greenhouse footprint by 50%. The collaboration between EXKA and Sollum Technologies underscores the importance of innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. (CNW Group/Sollum Technologies)

“We are excited to partner with Sollum Technologies and benefit from their easy-to-use and innovative lighting solution,” said Dr. Maxime Paris, President of EXKA. “We are committed to improving the agronomic efficiency of cannabis production. Our research demonstrates that adjusting the light spectrum can positively influence yield and the production of secondary metabolites such as cannabinoids and terpenes. We believe that the precision and the customization of controls offered by Sollum’s dynamic LED lighting will play a crucial role in enhancing the growth and potency of our cannabis plants.”

Sollum’s adaptable solution is designed to mimic natural sunlight, providing plants with the exact light spectrum needed to optimize each growth stage. The technology not only improves plant health and yield but also cuts energy consumption and operational costs, aligning with EXKA’s goals of scientific advancement and sustainability.

“We are proud to be selected by EXKA and to support their efforts in pushing the boundaries of cannabis cultivation,” said Kassim Tremblay, Vice President, Strategic Accounts at Sollum Technologies. “Our dynamic LED grow light solution is designed to offer unparalleled flexibility and efficiency, and we are confident that EXKA will see remarkable improvements in their production.”

The collaboration between EXKA and Sollum Technologies underscores the importance of innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. Both companies are dedicated to pioneering advancements that enhance productivity and sustainability.

For more information about Sollum Technologies and their dynamic LED grow light solution, please visit sollum.tech.

About Sollum Technologies

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Sollum Technologies designed the only 100% dynamic LED lighting solution that modulates the full spectrum of the Sun’s natural light to illuminate closed environments such as greenhouses, research centers and laboratories. Sollum’s award-winning, turnkey solution consists of internet of things, AI-powered light fixtures that are controlled by Sollum’s proprietary SUN as a Service® cloud platform. Sollum’s distinctive proposition is a fully scalable cleantech solution that evolves with business needs and multi-zone light management, with each zone benefiting from automatic dimming of an unlimited number of light recipes; this is why it provides unparalleled value in terms of energy savings and, additionally for greenhouse growers, increased productivity, and superior produce quality.

Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in Montréal (Québec, Canada), where its design, development, and manufacturing activities are concentrated, and has a representative office in Leamington (Ontario, Canada). For more information, visit sollum.tech.

©2025 Sollum Technologies. All rights reserved. SUN as a Service, SUNaaS, LED by nature, SF-E2, SF-ONE, SF-PRO, SF-MAX, S.E.A.R.C.H. and the Sollum logo are registered or trademarks of Sollum Technologies

SOURCE Sollum Technologies


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What Older Adults Need to Know About Vaccines for a Healthy New Year

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Older Adults

(Family Features) Around the new year, many people set goals for better health. People ages 65 and older can kick off a healthy new year by getting vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These respiratory infections can become more dangerous as people age. Vaccines can help older people risk less severe illness and do more of what they enjoy.

Those who provide care for older adults can support their health by helping them get vaccinated now. That’s especially important because older people have a higher risk of getting very sick or even dying from flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Vaccines help protect older adults from serious illness

As people get older, their ability to fight off infection decreases, putting them at higher risk for complications if they get a respiratory infection. They are more likely to get severely ill and need medical or hospital care from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Those living in long-term care facilities often have health issues that make flu, COVID-19 and RSV serious risks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all people ages 6 months and older to get this season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Those ages 75 and older – or ages 60 and older with certain health issues or who live in a nursing home – should get one dose of an RSV vaccine if they haven’t had it before. It’s safe to get vaccines for flu and COVID-19 (and RSV, for those who are eligible) all at the same time. Any side effects from the vaccines are usually mild and go away on their own in a few days.

Get vaccinated for a healthy new year

Vaccines are a great way for older people to start the year by protecting their health. Most deaths from flu, COVID-19 and RSV are in people ages 65 and older, and the risk grows with age. However, vaccines cut your risk of being in the hospital for flu or COVID-19 by about half and for RSV by about 70%, according to the CDC.

Those who look after older loved ones can help them avoid severe respiratory illness by helping them get vaccinated. In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other ways to help prevent serious illness. When around others indoors, use fans or open windows for better ventilation. Wearing a mask, using physical distancing and washing your hands often can also help. You can use home tests to check for COVID-19 if you have symptoms.

Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. Order your free COVID-19 test kits (up to four per household) at COVIDTests.gov.

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Talk with your doctor about which vaccines are right for you or an older adult you care for. Or go to vaccines.gov to get started and find a pharmacy near you.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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SOURCE:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


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Disaster evacuations can take much longer than people expect − computer simulations could help save lives and avoid chaos

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Disaster evacuations
Wildfire smoke rises beyond homes near Castaic Lake as another California wildfire spread on Jan. 22, 2025. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Ashley Bosa, Boise State University

When a wildfire notification goes off on your mobile phone, it can trigger all kinds of emotions and confusion.

You might glance outside and see no smoke. Across the street, your neighbors have mixed reactions: One is leisurely walking their dog, another is calmly packing a small bag, while a third appears to be preparing for an extended vacation.

The notification advises you to grab your “go bag,” but then panic can set in as you realize you don’t have one ready. So, you scour the local emergency management website for guidance and discover how much you’ve overlooked: important documents such as birth certificates, an extra flashlight, your children’s medications, a phone charger.

Before you can gather your thoughts, a second notification arrives – this time telling you to evacuate.

Packing the car, wrangling children or a skittish cat, figuring out where to go – it can feel frenzied in the face of danger. As you pull out, you join a traffic jam on your street, with a black smoke plume rising nearby and neighbors still loading their cars.

This chaos highlights a worst-case scenario for wildfire evacuations – one that can cause delays, heighten risks for evacuees and complicate access for emergency responders. It’s why researchers like me who study natural hazards are developing ways to help communities recognize where residents may need the most help and avoid evacuation bottlenecks in the face of future disasters.

The importance of being prepared

Confusion is common in the face of disasters, and it underscores the need for communities and individuals to be prepared.

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Delays in evacuating, or the inability to evacuate safely, can have catastrophic consequences, not only for those trying to flee but also for the first responders and emergency managers working to manage the crisis. These delays often stem from a lack of preparedness or uncertainty about when and how to act.

A study of survivors of an Australian wildfire that killed 172 people in the state of Victoria in 2009 found that two-thirds of survivors reported that they had carried out an existing disaster plan, while researchers found the majority of those who died either didn’t follow a disaster plan or couldn’t. Forecasters had warned that high temperatures were coming with very low humidity, and public alerts had gone out about the high fire risk. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wq4VCI2JwgM?wmode=transparent&start=0 Residents had little time to evacuate as the Eaton Fire spread into Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025. Source: NBC.

How people perceive risks and the environmental and social cues around them – such as how much smoke they see, their neighbors’ choices or the wording of the notification – will directly affect the speed of their response.

Past experience with a disaster evacuation also has an impact. Rapid population growth in recent years in the wildland-urban interface – areas where human development meets wildfire-prone areas – has meant that more people with little or no experience with wildfires are living in fire-risk areas. Wildland areas also tend to have fewer evacuation routes, making mass evacuations more difficult and time-consuming.

Adding to the complexity is the fact that large wildfires are occurring in regions not historically prone to such events and during times of the year traditionally considered outside of wildfire season. This shift has left communities and emergency response teams grappling with unprecedented challenges, particularly when it comes to evacuations.

Computer models can help spot risks

To address these challenges, researchers are developing systems to help communities model how their residents are likely to respond in the event of a disaster.

The results can help emergency crews understand where bottlenecks are likely to occur along evacuation routes, depending on the timing of the notice and the movement of the fire. They can also help fire managers understand where neighborhoods may need to be notified faster or need more help evacuating.

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Firefighters walk near three burned out vehicles on the side of roads.
Firefighters inspect burned out cars along a road in Paradise, Calif., after a deadly fire swept through the wooded area in November 2018. Some people abandoned their cars when they became trapped in traffic with few ways out. AP Photo/John Locher

My team at the Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute at Boise State University is working on one of these projects. We have been surveying communities across Idaho and Oregon to assess how people living in the wildland-urban interface areas perceive wildfire risks and prepare for evacuations.

Using those surveys, we can capture household-level decision data, such as which evacuation routes these residents would take, how many cars they plan to drive and where they would evacuate to.

We can also gauge how prepared residents would be to evacuate, or whether they would likely stay and try to defend their home instead.

Emergency responders push a person laying on an ambulance stretcher with smoky air and a city bus nearby.
Evacuating nursing homes takes time and special resources, including evacuation sites that can meet people’s health needs. When the Eaton Fire swept into Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025, a senior care facility had little time to get its residents safely away. AP Photo/Ethan Swope

With that data, we can simulate how long it will take emergency response teams to evacuate an entire community safely. The models could also show where difficulties with evacuations might be likely to arise and help residents understand how they can adjust their evacuation plans for a safer escape for everyone.

Bridging the gap between awareness and action

One of the key goals of this research is to bridge the gap between awareness and action.

While many residents in wildfire-prone areas understand the risks, translating that knowledge into concrete preparations remains a challenge. The concept of a “go bag,” for example, is widely promoted but often poorly understood. Essential items such as medications, important documents and pet supplies are frequently overlooked until it’s too late.

Clear and timely communication during wildfire crises is also essential. Evacuation warning messages such as “Ready, Set, Go!” are designed to prompt specific actions, but their effectiveness depends on residents understanding and trusting the system. Delayed responses or mixed signals can create confusion.

As wildfire risk rises for many communities, preparedness is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. Emergency notifications vary by state and county, so check your local emergency management office to understand what to expect and sign up for alerts. Being prepared can help communities limit some of the most devastating impacts of wildfires.

Ashley Bosa, Postdoctoral Researcher, Hazards and Climate Resilience Institute, Boise State University

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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


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