Thursday, March 22, 2012

Ladies Only


The arrival of warmer weather is not just a time for moms to plan fun activities to keep children busy outdoors, it is also a good time to pamper ourselves.  The warmer seasons are perfect times to follow up on heath care matters that you may have been neglecting.  Postponing doctors’ visits, these can have a long-term impact on your health. You and your physician may miss early signs of cancer and other illnesses.   Make a list of heath care related task (dental, OB-GYN, Family Doctor, Podiatrist, etc) that you have postponed during the winter months and check them off as each is completed.  If stress is one of your concerns, call your favorite masseuse to schedule a needed massage.
It is well known that annual trips to the OB-GYN for well-woman examinations are no picnics in the park given the cold tables, stirrups, and paper gowns that open in the back.  However, skipping your OB-GYN appointment could mean missing early signs of cervical or uterine cancers. If possible, discuss with your physician when you will need a mammogram and how to perform breast self-examinations to check for any lumps.  If you think you may have found a lump in your breasts, you need to seek medical care as soon as possible.
If you have postponed seeing your family phycian for so long that you may not recognize him if he introduced himself, then you need to make an appointment for a routine check-up.  Seeing your family physician may save you from debilitating effects of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.  For example, a woman suffering from headaches while reading may buy a pair of reading glasses and take some Ibuprofen to relieve the headache.  The ibuprofen may relieve that headache; however, she should see her family physician to find out if other diagnosis such as hypertension and elevated triglycerides are not contributing to her headaches. Both diagnoses can lead to strokes or heart attacks. 
This is a good time to work on your diet and exercise routines.  Start by adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet and reduce the amount of caffeinated and sugary drinks from your daily intake.  Avoid fries and other high fat processed foods.  If you hibernated during the winter months, see your doctor before starting a workout plan.  You may have to start slowly by walking a mile a day at the local park.
Talk with your health care provider about your health, diet, and exercise before you start your plan.  You and your physician will be able to create a diet and exercise plan tailored to your needs. 



Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult a health care provider for advice regarding any specific medical condition.



Thursday, March 15, 2012

Fight the Bite


This post is a featured CDC.**


There will always be bugs, but don't let them bite you! Learn about the steps you can take to avoid tick and mosquito bites that may cause serious illnesses such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Fifth and sixth graders can help promote bug bite prevention by participating in the Fight the Bite Poster Contest.

Spring is coming soon! As we get ready for another season of outdoor fun, it's important to remember to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and ticks that may spread the viruses or bacteria that cause serious illness such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fortunately, we can all take steps such as using an effective insect repellent on skin and clothing, wearing long sleeves and long pants (when it's not too hot), taking care of our yards to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs, and reducing brush, tall grasses, leaf litter, and harborage where ticks may like to hang out.

Kids, there is an important role that you can play in spreading the message about protection from these bugs. CDC and the DEET Education Program are sponsoring the annual "Fight the Bite" Poster Contest, open to any child in grades 5 or 6. Create a poster showing people how to fight the bite of mosquitoes and ticks and enter it in the contest. Contest rules and an entry form are available online at Fight the Bite Contest.

Fight the Bite Contest. But don't wait; entries must be submitted by April 18, 2012.

More information on bugs can be found at:

1.    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  West Nile virus web site and Lyme disease web site
2.    DEET Education Program: www.deetonline.org
3.    University of Florida: http://mosquito.ifas.ufl.edu/Index.htm
4.    American Lyme Disease Foundation: www.aldf.com
5.    About Bugs: www.aboutbugsbugsbugs.com
 

**This post is a featured CDC post and can be viewed in it’s entirety at CDC

Monday, March 12, 2012

What is that odor?


Pets, kids, cooking, dirty laundry, and trash all contribute to give our homes a not so fresh odor.  Try as we may to keep the laundry done and the kids’ clean, lagging odors persist.  Glade may not be able to bathe your pets or take out the trash, but it certainly can help remove their annoying odors.  Below are the top Glade coupons.  Get a coupon and have a fresh smelling home.

 

What a Glorious Day!


Right - Adele Pan Gardner
It could not have been a more glorious day for the Followers of Christ feeding mission.   The sun was shining on Aala Skate Park, Hawaii, a beautiful backdrop for a day full of hope, blessings, and friends.  People gathered from far and near to partake in yesterday’s homeless feeding mission by Followers of Christ that resulted in an afternoon of fellowship, bringing those who have so little closer to Christ, filling empty bellies, and making new friends. The feeding mission was a result of a calling received by Adele Pan Gardner, who also has the blessing of plenty of family and friends eager to support her vision.   Adele and her excited supporters (including me) successfully executed the mission without financial support from any organized establishment, which makes the event a testament to feats large and small that can be accomplished in the name of the Lord.  

Hungry folks lined up to eat.

Keola
Many lined up from far and near to participate.








  
Acoustic guitar music provided by Adele's son added just the right touch!




 



A talented new friend joined in to add a musical touch.




Salad


A mighty salad that balanced the menu which also included fruit salad, juice, and one of Adele's hardy beef and potato casseroles.

Malia & Kike






Family having some fun!

Aunty Jean (foreground) & Steph




 
 

Aunty Jean, ready to serve...

2 new friends and me on the right






Awesome time of wonderful fellowship and meeting new folks.  It was a very humbling experience. 





Chow down time!










First friend in line.

Aunty Bev (far left)







Fellowship time is so important.








There was even time for fun while holding down the tent  during a wind gust.










Followers of Christ....say Amen!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Pantry Nightmare

Pantry Nightmare

Surprise, surprise, you may have expired foods sitting in your pantry. If you stock up on dry goods like breadcrumbs, cake mixes, noodles, and canned goods, it is possible that many will expire within one to three years (if not already).  If your pantry is overflowing and disorganized (like mine), it is easy to overlook products that have been sitting on your shelves long past their prime.
With Spring-cleaning looming, it may be time to tackle your pantry.  Yes, some guilt about getting rid of unused expired products may be lurking around, but expired food can cause health problems such as gastric distress, gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
Many materials found in dry food packaging are perfect for recycling.  Make a green choice by recycling expired foods packaging materials.  Keep in mind that some packaging materials may look like foil or another material but is plastic. Try these tips for responsible recycling as you clean out the pantry:
1.       Remove plastic packages such as cake mixes and noodles from the cardboard packaging. This is easy to throw away in the green recycle bin.
2.       Remove dry foods from their plastic wrappers. You can make plastic wraps more suited for the recycling bin by rinsing them off quickly under the tap.
3.      Dump out the contents of expired canned goods, rinse them out, and throw them in the recycling bin.

After following these steps, you will reach the best part, a pantry with room to clean, reorganize, spray for bugs (if needed), and stock up on healthy foods for this summer! 

Friday, March 9, 2012

Top 10 Deals on Child & Baby Products


Top 10 Deals on Child & Baby Products
 

Poison Fish


Eating tropical reef fish that have fed on toxic algae triggers Ciguetera poisoning. These toxins reach particularly high concentrations in large predatory tropical reef fish. Barracuda are commonly associated with ciguatoxin poisoning. Eating fish caught between latitude 35° N and 35° S can cause ciguatera poisoning. Other potential dangerous fish include (note that this list is not all inclusive):

          Grouper
          Red Snapper
          Sea Bass
          Eels
          Mullet
          Kingfish

Kingfish

 These fish are typically caught by sport fishermen on reefs in Hawaii, Guam and other South Pacific islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Because the toxin is heat-stable, it is unaffected by cooking.



SYMPTOMS

Ciguatoxin usually causes symptoms within a few minutes to 30 hours after eating infected or tainted(contaminated) fish. Occasionally it may take up to 6 hours. 

·      Common nonspecific symptoms include feeling:
o   Nausea
o   Diarrhea
o   Cramps
o   Excessive Sweating
o   Headache
o   Muscle Aches
o   Vomiting

·      Other Symptoms

o   Burning or Pins & Needles Sensation
o   Weakness
o   Itching
o   Dizziness
o   Nightmares
o   Hallucinations
o   Tingling of lips, tongue, and, throat.

·      Other Serious Symptoms

o   Numbness
o   Confusion
o   Collapse
o   Coma

Ciguatera poisoning is rarely fatal. Symptoms usually clear in 1 to 4 weeks. Most people recover within a few days or weeks with supportive treatment. Ongoing disability has occasionally occurred.


DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and a history of recently eating seafood. Laboratory testing for the specific toxin is generally not necessary. Leftover fish or shellfish can be tested for the presence of the toxin more easily. Identification of the specific toxin is not usually necessary for treating patients because there is no specific treatment.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SAFE SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION:

Persons with weakened immune systems or liver problems should not eat raw seafood. They are at higher risk of Vibrio infection.

Keep seafood on ice or refrigerated at less than 38° F (3.3° C) to prevent spoilage.

Keep fresh tuna, mackerel, grouper, and mahi mahi refrigerated to prevent development of histamine.
Cooking spoiled or toxic seafood will not keep you safe. These toxins are not destroyed by cooking.

Barracuda


Do not eat barracuda.

Red Algal Bloom
Check with local health officials before collecting shellfish. Look for Health Department advisories
about algal blooms, dinoflagellate growth or "red tide" conditions that may be posted at fishing supply stores.

Do not eat finfish or shellfish sold as bait. Bait products do not meet the same food safety regulations as seafood for human consumption.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:

If you have eaten seafood and develop problems or symptoms that seem unusual for you.


ExitCare® Patient Information ©2011 ExitCare, LLC