“Look at my great-grandfather, who had a mustache just like me,” his son said.
Someone has uploaded a photo about our ancestors to an online platform.
I gave my son a DNA test kit and am waiting for the results. Before getting his results, we bonded over researching our mutual ancestry. But looking at his family tree won't convince him to shave.
We found a distant grandfather from more than 250 years ago with my son's first name who passed away on my son's birthday. It shook me and him a little.
My family tree search took me to the 1600s. The Norwegians and Swedes have very good records that have been painstakingly translated.
There were some interesting discoveries. Like many previous generations, it was common to have large families.
Others are also reading…
My great-grandmother had 13 children and 49 grandchildren. She lived to a considerable age. In fact, many of our relatives lived from their mid-70s to their 90s, which was quite old for that time. Unfortunately, several infant relatives were found to have died prematurely.
In their far-flung imaginations, these ancestors could imagine that their distant granddaughters and grandsons would be able to use their mobile phones to add their birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and military cards to their digital family tree. I couldn't have predicted that. I can't believe it.
If any of these relatives had died on the way from Europe, or while traveling across the country in a wagon, or in one of the many wars that have taken place, neither of us would exist. Probably.
Our health and longevity are shaped by our genes, lifestyle, and environment. You'll receive better medical care, including treatments for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. There are more food options in our food supply, but not all foods are healthy choices.
At that time, they grew food such as meat, dairy products, vegetables, and grains. Their lives were simpler, they worked hard, and perhaps their main pastime was socializing with family and friends.
Published research shows that during the first 70 to 80 years of life, lifestyle plays a bigger role than genetics. If you have a history of longevity, you may be able to live longer if you practice a healthy lifestyle.
What are the main considerations in a healthy lifestyle? If you answered yes to any of these, you are taking a positive step towards a healthy lifestyle.
Are you refraining from smoking or using tobacco products?
Do you limit or refrain from drinking alcohol?
Are you eating a healthy diet, meeting recommendations for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and consuming good sources of calcium such as dairy products? Visit choosemyplate.gov for recommended amounts.
Do you engage in regular physical activity? The current recommendation is 30 minutes most days of the week.
Do you know your family health history so you can answer your health care provider's questions?
Are there any regular tests recommended by my provider? For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at bit.ly/3Oh5VzB.
Most adults don't eat enough vegetables. In fact, some researchers estimate that only 10% of adults meet the recommended amount of approximately 4 1/2 cups of vegetables and fruits each day. A comforting, traditional soup packed with colorful vegetables and plenty of dietary fiber. Pair with fresh bread or corn muffins for a warm meal on a cold day.
Country style split pea soup
1/4 cup green or yellow split peas (washed)
2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped or 2 teaspoons (dried)
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup cooked ham, diced (optional)
1 cup plain fat-free/low-fat yogurt (optional)
In a large, heavy saucepan, sauté the onion, green onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add peas, broth, water, bay leaves, parsley, and seasoned salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes or until peas are tender. Add carrots, potatoes and ham (optional) to the soup. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are soft and retain their shape. Add water to the thin soup if necessary. Reduce heat. Optional: Add plain yogurt and cook for 5 minutes. Do not boil.
Makes 12 servings. One serving contains 120 calories, 1 gram (g) of fat, 6 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber, and 500 milligrams of sodium.
Julie Garden-Robinson is a food and nutrition specialist and professor at NDSU Extension.
