#NACAflagstaff

[nacalife]

Three Sisters Salad

This recipe makes two servings.

The Three Sisters are corn, beans, and squash. These crops support each other in the garden. Corn stalks are the perfect pole for beans to climb. Beans naturally raise nitrogen in the soil; nitrogen is a necessary nutrient that the corn and squash can use. The sprawling squash leaves shade the ground; keeping the soil moist and weed-free.

Corn, beans, and squash complement each other in the kitchen as well. Corn is a quality source of carbohydrates and fiber. Beans provide protein and the amino acids that corn lacks. Squash is nutrient and mineral dense vegetable. The Three Sisters have been a staple for Native Americans for centuries and continue to be a part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Ingredients

1/2 cup canned corn

1/2 cup canned kidney beans (or other bean of your choice)

1 medium, fresh zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

3 cups shredded lettuce

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Fresh or dried cilantro, to taste

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix together corn, beans, cubed zucchini, orange juice, vinegar and cilantro.

Prepare bed of lettuce in large bowl. Spoon the Three Sisters mixture on top of lettuce.

Recipe by Shonri Begay for Native Americans for Community Action, NACAinc.org

#NACAflag #NACAflagstaff #NACA #healthy eating #healthy easy recipes #Flagstaff #Arizona #northern arizona #foodie #cooking #homemade

[nacaincnews]

NACA in the News - Mental Health in a Pandemic

Check out the Arizona Daily Sun article on NACA’s partnership with Stronger As One and all the projects we are working on together!

https://azdailysun.com/news/local/sharing-mental-health-experiences-even-more-important-during-pandemic/article_d0f3fbc0-a15e-5334-ac39-9eaa02a0dbfa.html

#mentalhealth suicidepreventionmonth NACAFlagstaff StrongerAsOne

[nacalife]

Blue Corn & Squash Oatmeal

This recipe makes two servings.

Ingredients

1/2 cup oatmeal

1/4 cup blue corn meal

1/2 cup butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

fresh or frozen

1/4 cup raisins

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 1/2 cups water

Directions

In a Medium Pot, bring water to a boil on medium to high heat. Add butternut squash and lower heat to medium - low. Let cook for 5 minutes.

Add oatmeal and stir for 1 minute. Then turn heat down to lowest setting.

Add corn meal, raisins and chia seeds. Cover and let steam for 5 minutes.

Oats are an ancient source of food, originating in the Middle East. This crop is environmentally sustainable; they deplete less water and nutrients from the soil and they reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides. Oats are high in many vitamins and minerals, they reduce the risk of heart and artery conditions, they lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and improve digestive health. Oats provide a feeling of fullness for several hours after eating. This is useful for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Herbalists use oats to ease anxiety and depression and to restore emotional balance.

Blue Corn has been cultivated by the Hopi and other tribes for centuries, playing a significant role in culture, ceremony and diet. Heirloom blue corn is drought tolerant and can grow in an arid environment. Anthocyanin gives blue corn it’s pigment and is an antioxidant that promotes kidney health, eye health, lowers inflammation and lowers blood pressure. Blue corn has more protein content than white or yellow corn.

Squash is one of the oldest food sources Indigenous People cultivated in North and South America. Winter squash varieties, like butternut, Hubbard and acorn can keep for months due to low water levels and tough skin. Butternut squash is high in potassium, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. It helps boost immunity, digestive health, and promotes healthy skin.

Recipe by Shonri Begay for Native Americans for Community Action, www.NACAinc.org

Tips for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, alertness and energy throughout the day:

Avoid sugary foods and simple carbs, like white bread or pasta.

Eat Complex carbs, like vegetables and whole grains. Complex carbs take longer to absorb, and this can help prevent glucose swings. They also contain higher fiber, which will help you feel more full.

Eat small, frequent meals, about three hours apart during waking hours.

Drink lots of water.

Exercise regularly and have a healthy snack beforehand to power your workout.

Get enough sleep.

#NACAflag #NACA #NACAflagstaff #healthy easy recipes #healthy eating #foodie #cooking #flagstaff #northern arizona #wellness #nutrition

[nacalife]

Lentil & Black Bean Tacos

This recipe makes four servings of one taco each.

Ingredients

4 whole wheat flour tortillas

1/2 cup dry lentils, sorted and rinsed

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic or onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1 1/2 cups water

Healthy topping ideas (optional)

Lettuce

Fresh lime wedges

Salsa

Smashed or cubed avocado

Cilantro

Bell peppers

Jalapeños

Chopped onion

Tomatoes

Corn

Olives

Roasted squash

Cabbage

Directions

Wash hands with warm water and soap. Wash vegetables with water before preparing.

Cook lentils: Rinse your lentils with fresh water before boiling to remove any dust or debris. Cook on a stovetop, using 1 ½ cups of water to ½ cup of dry lentils. Be sure to use a large enough saucepan as the lentils will double or triple in size. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until water is almost gone. For whole lentils, cook time is typically 15 minutes. For split red lentils, cook time is typically only about 5-7 minutes. Lentils do not require soaking.

When there is about 2 tablespoons of water left, add black beans and taco seasoning. Stir and continue cooking until all of the water is absorbed (about 2 minutes).

Serve in whole wheat tortilla with your family’s favorite taco toppings.

Lentils are native to western Asia and North America. They are a great source of Protein, Folate, Fiber, Iron, Potassium, Manganese. The health benefits of lentils include lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood glucose. The texture and protein content make lentils a satisfying alternative to meat. Lentils have a low ecological impact and improve the land by adding nitrogen to the soil naturally.

Black Beans are native to central and south America. Black beans are high in B Vitamins, Iron, Protein and Fiber. Health benefits include supporting bone health, lowering blood pressure, and promoting digestive function. They have been a part of the traditional diets of Central and South American people, dating back over 7,000 years.

Spices add flavor and extra health benefits to simple meals. Cumin adds a warm, nutty flavor to taco seasonings, but it also aids in digestion. Chili pepper adds heat to a meal, but it also helps fight colds and flus with Vitamin A and C.

Cilantro contains antioxidants that may protect skin from rapid aging, support brain health, and calm inflammation in the digestive tract.

Nutrition Information

#NACAflag #NACA #NACAflagstaff #healthy easy recipes #healthy eating #recipes #foodie #wellness #health #cooking #homemade

[nacaincnews]

Update to NACA’s operation plan in light of COVID-19 – September 1, 2020

Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA) is dedicated to both our clients and our staff. We are conducting safe practices with our staff by having those who can work from home continue to do so in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our team members. The NACA staff are dedicated towards continuing their primary program objectives and the delivery of essential services for our community members. 

The NACA Operational changes are listed below: 

Family Health Center We are asking all clients to refrain from coming into the NACA Family Health Center without first calling in advance, [phone]. The Family Health Center is scheduling in-person visits for medical services and will continue to offer appointments through telehealth (Zoom) upon patient request. We are screening all patients for body temperature who arrive for appointments for. NACA is using telehealth for prescription refills and follow-up visits that can be accomplished using video conferencing. 

Behavioral Health Behavioral Health client visits are being conducted through in-person and telehealth visits as determined by the individual providers. In-person DUI classes have started backup with limited participants, Behavioral Health Virtual Group Sessions are also offered such as substance abuse classes and Talking Circle using a secure Zoom platform. In order to participate, clients must have access to the internet, a computer and a valid email account. For more information call to schedule an appointment, 773-1245.

Community Development NACA’s Community Development and Behavioral Health Departments are conducting a weekly virtual Talking Circle, on Mondays from 5:30-6:30 PM MST. The Talking Circle is open to anyone who wants/needs to connect with others during these stressful times. The Talking Circle will be hosted and managed by NACA’s Social Support Coordinator, and a Community Elder, resources may be available dependent on the need. Participants must abide by confidentiality standards to participate. Click here to join the Zoom meeting at the scheduled time.

Wellness Center The NACA Wellness Center is opening back up to individual appointment times for clients, please contact the Fitness Specialist to schedule an appointment, [email protected] or [email protected], 773-1245 ext. #221. Many of their workout sessions can be found on YouTube by searching “NACA Wellness Center” or clicking here. If you are interested in receiving the exercise programs, please forward your request along with your email address.

Overlook Artisan Market The NACA Overlook Outdoor Artisan Market is open daily with up to ten Artisans selling their art. The Overlook is open daily from 8:30 - 4:00, a limited number of vendors participate each day while exercising safe precautions and face coverings. For more information on the Overlook program please visit the Oak Creek Overlook section of the NACA website or contact the NACA Main office, 928-526-2968.

NACA Main Office The NACA Main Office is open partially in the afternoon to the public, we still remain partially closed due to staffing. If you call the NACA Main office number at [phone] during the closure, you will still reach a receptionist who can answer your questions, phone calls have been forwarded to the Family Health Center. 

Social Support Coordinator Lucinda Yazzie is available to assist NACA clients with supportive services as they are related to Covid-19. Lucinda is working with community agencies and NACA resources to provide individuals with support towards their needs, various levels of assistance. To refer a client or to find out more information please email Lucinda at 928-526-2968 ext. #122 or [email protected].

Contacting NACA If you have any questions regarding NACA services during the COVID-19 outbreak situation, please email [email protected], or call [phone]. The NACA Family Health Center will maintain its normal operating hours during this critical period from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

We encourage everyone to follow the guidance from public health experts to lessen the impact of COVID-19. Please wear a mask when out in public, stay at home and limit trips for essential items, isolate yourselves from others if you start feeling sick, keep a safe distance of 6 feet from others (social distancing), and practice healthy personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently. Together, we will get through this challenging time stronger than we were before.

Please wear a mask when in public and please, stay healthy.

Jeff Axtell Chief Executive Officer Native Americans for Community Action Inc.

#NACAflag #NACAflagstaff #nacainc #NACA #Flagstaff Arizona #Northern Arizona #2020 #covid-19

[nacaincnews]

Updates to NACA’s operational plan in light of COVID-19 – August 17, 2020

Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA) is dedicated to both our clients and our staff. We are conducting safe practices with our staff by having those who can work from home continue to do so in order to prevent the spread of Covid among our team members. The NACA staff are dedicated to continuing their primary program objectives and the delivery of essential services for our community members. The NACA Operational changes are listed below: 

Family Health Center We are asking all clients to refrain from coming into the NACA Family Health Center without first calling in advance, [phone]. The Family Health Center will be scheduling in-person visits on certain days for essential medical services and will continue to offer appointments through telehealth (Zoom) and phone calls. We are screening all patients who arrive for in-person appointment for Covid symptoms, (temperature). NACA is using telehealth for prescription refills and follow-up visits that can be accomplished using video conferencing. 

Behavioral Health Behavioral Health client visits are being conducted through telehealth and in-person as determined by the individual providers. Behavioral Health Virtual Group Sessions such as DUI classes, substance abuse classes and Talking Circle are offered using a secure Zoom platform. In order to participate, clients must have access to the internet, a computer and a valid email account.

Community Development NACA’s Community Development and Behavioral Health Departments are conducting a weekly virtual Talking Circle, on Mondays from 5:30-6:30 PM MST. The Talking Circle is open to anyone who wants/needs to connect with others during these stressful times. The Talking Circle will be hosted and managed by NACA’s Social Support Coordinator and a Community Elder; other resources may be available dependent on the need. Participants must abide by confidentiality standards to participate. Click here to join the Zoom meeting at the scheduled time. 

Wellness Center The NACA Wellness Center is opening back up slowly for the remainder of the month of August, the Wellness Center staff are seeing clients on an appointment basis, please contact the Fitness Specialist to schedule an appointment, [email protected] or [email protected]. Many of their workout sessions can be found on YouTube by clicking here or searching ”NACA Wellness Center” on YouTube. If you are interested in receiving the exercise programs, please forward your request along with your email address.

Overlook Artisan Market The NACA Overlook Outdoor Artisan Market is open with special restrictions. The Overlook is open daily from 8:30 - 4:30, a limited number of vendors participate each day while exercising safe precautions and face coverings. For more information on the Overlook program please visit the website or contact the NACA Main office, 928-526-2968.

NACA Main Office As of August 17th, the NACA Main Office remains closed to the public as a functional measure due to the majority of the staff telecommuting from home. If you call the NACA Main office number at [phone] during the closure, you will still reach a receptionist who can answer your questions, phone calls have been forwarded to the Family Health Center. 

Social Support Coordinator Lucinda Yazzie is available to assist NACA clients with supportive services as they are related to COVID-19. Lucinda is working with community agencies and NACA resources to provide individuals with support towards their needs, various levels of assistance. To refer a client or to find out more information please email Lucinda at 928-526-2968 ext. #122 or [email protected].

Contacting NACA If you have any questions regarding NACA services during the COVID-19 outbreak situation, please email [email protected], or call [phone]. The NACA Family Health Center will maintain its normal operating hours during this critical period from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

We encourage everyone to follow the guidance from public health experts to lessen the impact of COVID-19. Please wear a mask when out in public, stay at home and limit trips for essential items, isolate yourselves from others if you start feeling sick, keep a safe distance of 6 feet from others (social distancing), and practice healthy personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently. Together, we will get through this challenging time stronger than we were before.

Please wear a mask when in public and please, stay healthy.

Jeff Axtell Chief Executive Officer Native Americans for Community Action Inc.

#NACAflag #NACAflagstaff #nacainc #COVID-19 #Northern Arizona #Flagstaff Arizona #flagstaff #2020 #august

[nacaincnews]

An update to NACA’s operational plan in light of COVID-19 – July 20, 2020

Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA) continues to see clients through telehealth and phone conferences who are seeking care for health and behavior related conditions. However, NACA is implementing some necessary operational changes in response to COVID-19 to protect the health of our clients and staff, as outlined below: 

Family Health Center We are asking all clients to refrain from coming into the NACA Family Health Center without first calling in advance, [phone]. Currently, we are only scheduling health care appointments that can be accomplished using telehealth means and/or telephone calls. All “well” visits are being scheduled out to August. NACA is using telehealth for prescription refills and follow-up visits that can be accomplished using video conferencing.

Behavioral Health All Behavioral Health client visits are also being conducted through telehealth and phone conferences through the month of July. Behavioral Health Group Sessions continue to be offered using a secure Zoom platform. In order to participate, clients must have access to the internet, a computer and a valid email account. 

Wellness Center The NACA Wellness Center is closed for the month of July. Currently, NACA staff have developed virtual workouts and exercise programs through the Zoom platform as well as posted links to NACA endorsed exercise videos. If you are interested in receiving the exercise programs, please forward your request along with your email address to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Overlook Artisan Market The NACA Overlook Outdoor Artisan Market is open with special restrictions. The Overlook is open daily from 8:30 - 4:30, a limited number of vendors participate each day while exercising safe precautions and face coverings. For more information on the Overlook program please contact the NACA Main office, 928-526-2968. 

NACA Main Office As of July 6, the NACA Main Office has been closed as a functional measure due to the majority of the staff telecommuting from home. If you call the NACA Main office number at [phone] during the closure, you will still reach a receptionist who can answer your questions, phone calls have been forwarded to the Family Health Center.

Contacting NACA If you have any questions regarding NACA services during the COVID-19 outbreak situation, please email [email protected], or call [phone]. The NACA Family Health Center will maintain its normal operating hours during this critical period from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

We encourage everyone to follow guidance from public health experts to lessen the impact of COVID-19.Please stay at home and limit trips for essential items, isolate yourselves from others if you start feeling sick, keep a safe distance of 6 feet from others (social distancing), and practice healthy personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently and sneezing/coughing into your elbow or a tissue. Together, we will get through this challenging time stronger than we were before.

Please wear a mask when in public and please Stay Healthy.

Jeff Axtell Chief Executive Officer Native Americans for Community Action Inc.

#nacaflag #naca #nacaflagstaff #flagstaff #northern arizona #covid-19