If you are reading this article early Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, then you still have time to get over to the Brewton Area YMCA for FitFest 2015. We are celebrating our 20th annual celebration, and it promises to be the best one ever!
Invite your sweetie, family members, good friends, church members and/or your coworkers to come with you. It will be worth it. Free health screenings (thanks to the generosity of D. W. McMillan Memorial Hospital) will be held first, from 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Screenings include cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose. Be sure to fast (no food after midnight) since the practice is recommended for accurate lab testing. After the screenings, enjoy refreshments, and stroll through medical service exhibitors, fellowshipping and great door prizes. You must be present to win!
The educational programs begin at 9 a.m. The “benefits of well-being” will be presented by Vivian Layton, YMCA senior director, and Cathy Green, YMCA business manager. Bob Ellis, DWM’s director of nursing, will update us on “matters of the heart,” so get up now – and come on over to Y! We are looking for you today!
Here is a quick, easy, delicious and award winning soup recipe to enjoy on cool winter days or anytime! It is from our Nutrition Education Program (NEP) file. It’s also heart healthy, too!

White Chili
6 servings
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 (4 oz.) can green chilies, drained
2 (15 oz.) cans great northern beans
1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth
2 teaspoons garlic powder
½ teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1½ cups cooked chicken, cubed
4 ounces low-fat Monterey jack cheese, shredded
In a large sauce pan, heat oil. Add onion and cook until tender. Add green chilies, beans (do not drain), chicken broth, garlic powder, pepper, ground cumin, and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until desired consistency. Serve hot, topped with cheese.