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23 May 2024

Community & Membership Meeting: Proton Therapy for Cancer

Learn about why Proton Therapy can provide an important alternative to traditional radiation treatment. This form of treatment which was only available in other parts of the USA now means that residents will have this form of treatment on their doorstep.

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Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd
Estero, FL 33928 United States
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Village of Estero Meetings

14 May
scheduled
4:30 pm
15 May
scheduled
9:30 am
05 Jun
scheduled
9:30 am
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Safety Council

Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.

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Part 2 Public Concerns & Future Actions 

Part 2 Public Concerns & Future Actions 

The Engage Estero Public Forum Traffic Congestion in Greater Estero (Written by Allan Bowditch, Engage estero’s Chief Communications Officer) Go to Part 1 Questions and Comments from the Public The Engage Estero team would like to thank all those who attended the...

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Part 1 Key Questions Addressed

Part 1 Key Questions Addressed

The Engage Estero Public Forum Traffic Congestion in Greater Estero (Written by Allan Bowditch, Engage estero’s Chief Communications Officer) Introduction The building boom in the Estero area started in 1998 when the airport, Florida Gulf Coast University, Miromar...

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Environment Council

Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.

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Health Council

Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.

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Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...

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Education Council

Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.

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Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...

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Updates on Issues of Impact

Publications

Topics

Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.

Grocery Shopping during COVID-19

Apr 8, 2020 | Health

groceries
We’re now a few weeks into the pandemic, and those groceries you managed to binge-buy a month ago are dwindling. It’s time to restock the pantry.
But what should you buy this time around? And what’s the secret for keeping food fresher longer? Although you can still go to the grocery store if you need to, you still might be a little hesitant or find that some items are in short supply.
Time to concentrate on the essentials and develop a grocery list that fits your budget and still satisfies your family’s appetite and health needs.
Lee Health Solutions is here to help. Julie Hill, a registered dietitian with Lee Health, offers some tips for meal planning that will help stretch your food dollar and reduce the stress of grocery shopping during COVID-19.
First, in the land of plenty there’s plenty of food to go around.
“Food production and manufacturing are widely dispersed throughout the U.S. and there are currently no widespread disruptions reported in the supply chain,” says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency is keeping an eye on that supply chain for any changes, too. So, go ahead and make that list!
Plan for all the people in your household, Hill advises.
“And when you do, write out that plan. Take pen to paper,” she says. “This will help you stick to it and help you keep within your budget. It’s too easy during times of stress to make impulse purchases of foods that offer comfort but may not be healthy for you and your family.”
Essential foods: These vital foods include protein (unprocessed meat, fish/tuna, beans, tofu), fruit and vegetables, starches and grains, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats such as avocados and olives.
“Choose fresh or frozen items as much as possible and buy canned and packaged foods you regularly use. But avoid purchasing non-essential foods,” Hill says. “These include soda, alcohol, desserts, sweets, processed or fried snacks, and flavored or carbonated water. They can be expensive and non-nutritious.”
Freeze meals: When you make a fresh meal, plan for making a double batch and freeze the leftovers in glass or reusable containers. This approach will help you save money and offer you relief when you don’t have the energy to cook.
“The meal should contain a vegetable, protein source, and sometimes a carbohydrate or starch, although sometimes it’s best to omit the starch/carbohydrate and make it fresh while you thaw out the rest of the meal,” Hill says. “Plan for complete meals specifically for freezer, such as soups, stews, spaghetti sauce, and curry.”
Tips for keeping perishable food longer:
Eat the foods you’ve purchased based on spoilage, Hill says.
“Eat fresh vegetables or prepared foods first. Heartier vegetables and fruits can last in the refrigerator longer,” she notes. “Freeze protein foods if you’re concerned about spoilage before you can cook it.”
To keep illness-causing germs at bay, Julie also recommends that you follow the FDA’s four steps for perishable items: clean, separate, cook and chill.
Lee Health Solutions’ Registered Dietitians are offering phone consultations. If you need help meal planning or how to shop for the family, call 239-424-3120.
And, as always, when shopping remember to follow the safety precautions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep you, your family, and others safer.