Shoveling techniques to keep you out of the ER After a long, warm fall, it seems that winter has finally arrived this week and with it the dreaded task of snow removal. And just a reminder that winter parking rules are now in effect. The following tips are offered for shoveling driveways and walks.

Exercise is a vital part of proper diabetes care November is National Diabetes Month. Following an appropriate exercise program and doing it safely can be key to preventing type 2 diabetes for the 10 million Americans at high risk for the disease, In a study published on the American Association of Physical Therapists Web site, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that those at risk for type 2 diabetes could reduce the likelihood of developing the disease by 58 percent through 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise and by weight reduction, eating a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. The NIH study demonstrated that lifestyle interventions can actually prevent the disease.

Common household hazards for all your pets Pets love to get into things. You would be amazed at the things that are ingested by an animal. Sometimes I am not even sure how they swallowed things. Following is a short list of things that could be a problem for your pets if ingested:

Annual ‘Great American Smokeout’ slated for Nov. 19 OWATONNA — The 34th annual “Great American Smokeout” will take place Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. Every year, the American Cancer Society encourages smokers to quit smoking for a day in the hope that they may quit for good. Many people no longer realize that Minnesota was the birth place of the Smokeout.

Brett Favre: 40 and still playing like he’s in his 20’s Brett Favre is 40-years-old with over 17 years in the NFL and 277 consecutive starts as a quarter back. Football is a tough sport to play and avoid injury for over 17 years. Brett as a quarter back has been sacked over 400 times in his NFL career.

Blood donations: an act of kindness OWATONNA — Random acts of kindness are small things that you can do to make a difference in the lives of friends, family and strangers.

Owatonna Hospital partners with Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute OWATONNA — The Center for Rehab and Wellness Center at Owatonna Hospital has partnered with Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute bringing their renowned rehabilitation resources to the Owatonna community to help patients recover from injury or illness.

Good posture during pregnancy is key Maintaining good posture during pregnancy is important for a variety of reasons. Good posture consists of holding and positioning your body in an upright manner that places your spine in a neutral position. Whether you are sitting, standing, walking or driving, maintaining this posture is essential for decreasing strain to your muscles, joints and ligaments.

Owatonna Clinic welcomes Erin Effle, PA-C OWATONNA — Owatonna Clinic – Mayo Health System is pleased to welcome Erin Effle, certified physician assistant, to its orthopedics department.

Red Cross offers the “trick” to safety this Halloween MINNESOTA — With Halloween right around the corner, and H1N1 flu widespread across the country, the American Red Cross offers tips to help parents and children celebrate safely this year.