Month: April 2015

Decoding “Healthy” Food Labels

Decoding “Healthy” Food Labels

Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash You have finally decided to step into the wild side and start purchasing healthy foods. You get to the “healthy” aisle of your favorite super market and think, “Now what?” Food labels that say they are all natural, organic and 

One Hour Too Long: TV and Obesity

One Hour Too Long: TV and Obesity

Photo by John Sting on Unsplash The health issues that arise from too many hours spent watching TV are widespread. According to a new study, too much TV is worse for your child’s body and brain than you might have thought. The Study Researchers from 

What You Should Know About The Recent Food Recalls

What You Should Know About The Recent Food Recalls

Photo by Peter Bond on Unsplash

This year, the number of companies who have recalled their most well-known products has skyrocketed. From apples to frozen foods, the number of items lining the shelves in your favorite supermarket seem to be steadily decreasing. This is because of a very serious bacteria named Listeria.

Here is what you need to know about the bacteria, the recent food recalls and how it can affect your family:

Listeria is a bacteria that does not differentiate between hot and cold, meaning that it can grow and flourish in just about any temperature. The bacteria is pathogenic (infectious to humans) and can cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea, muscle aches and high fever. It is most commonly found in soil and water and it’s carried by animals such as birds and cows. Most animals that carry the bacteria show no symptoms, so it is very easily transferable. Recently, Listeria has infected much of our food supply, particularly dairy products, vegetables and raw meats.

Here is a list, according to the FDA of the food products that are currently being recalled because of a listeria outbreak:

  • Fresh Frozen Vegetables and Smoothie Kits, Jamba At Home: InVenture Foods, Inc. (April 2015)
  • Blue Bell Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Sherbet & Frozen Snacks, Blue Bell Ice Cream (April 2015)
  • Sabra Classic Hummus: Sabra Dipping Co., LLC (April 2015)
  • Henry’s Farm Soybean Sprouts: Henry’s Farm Inc. (April 2015)
  • La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread: La Terra Fina (March 2015)
  • Simply Balanced Organic Chopped Spinach: Superior Foods, Inc. (March 2015)
  • Wild Harvest and Wegmans Organic Spinach: Twin City Foods, Inc. (March 2015)
  • Rising Moon Organics Frozen Ravioli: Carmel Food Group (March 2015)
  • Amy’s Frozen Meals: Amy’s Kitchen, Inc. (March 2015)

Who does a listeria outbreak affect the most?

According to CNN.com, Listeriosis has a greater effect on the elderly, pregnant women, newborns and people with weak immune systems. In the U.S., an estimated 1,600 people have become seriously ill from the bacteria each year. Sixteen percent of these cases have resulted in death. To protect yourself and your family, the USDA (United States Drug Association) recommends cooking meat thoroughly, washing all raw vegetables and fruit and keeping your refrigerator below 40 degrees.

Sources: www.cnn.com, www.fda.gov

In your own experience, how does this recent outbreak of Listeria affect you and your family? Join the conversation by leaving us a comment!

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Stressed Out? Snack on These Superfoods!

Stressed Out? Snack on These Superfoods!

Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash The student life can be a mixture of a lot of fun and a lot of stress. All of a sudden you have to go up a gear to produce top quality work in large quantities. Another way in 

The Hidden Risk of Vitamin E Deficiency

The Hidden Risk of Vitamin E Deficiency

Photo by Diego Ph on Unsplash In the United States, an estimated 96% of adult women and 90% of adult men do not receive enough Vitamin E in their diet. Scientists have recently discovered even more risks related to a lack of Vitamin E – 

The Surprising Top Threat To Men’s Health

The Surprising Top Threat To Men’s Health

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top causes of death for men in the United States are heart disease, stroke, cancer and respiratory disease. However, many of these causes of death can be prevented with lifestyle changes – surprisingly, the top health threat to men’s health may be themselves!

Here is what you can do to significantly lower your risk of developing these diseases and conditions –

  • Stop Smoking – According to Healthline.com, 20 minutes after you quit smoking, your heart rate will drop back to a normal level. Twenty-four hours after you quit, your risk of a heart attack dramatically drops from the high rate of 70% for smokers. Two to three weeks after you quit, you will be able to resume exercise without feeling winded or sick. Your circulation and blood pressure improve significantly as well – all of these factors contribute to your overall health.
  • Start Eating Healthy – Be sure to include vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, fibers and proteins in your diet regularly to keep your body functioning as well as possible. Losing excess pounds and maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of heart disease and many types of cancer.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption – Moderation is key! Some cancers, like liver cancer, seems to increase with the amount of alcohol you drink on a regular basis. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your blood pressure will be as well.
  • Manage Stress and Anxiety – Go for a run or hang out with the guys to blow off the stress and anxiety brought on by the office or at home. Taking time to relax is very important in reducing stress, which in turn reduces both physical and mental health issues.
  • Regularly Visit Your Doctor – Men always seem to put up a fight to go to the doctor. But your doctor is the only person able to diagnose and treat any conditions you already have, or are at risk of developing. Sometimes, sluggishness may actually be a more threatening condition!

Always remember to keep yourself moving and your stress level as low as possible. It’s true – some diseases are genetic, but many are caused by lifestyle choices that you have complete control over. Don’t wait for a diagnosis! Start talking to your doctor about how to prevent conditions and diseases before your lifestyle gets the best of you.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org

We want to hear from you! What are some of the things you do to make sure you stay as healthy as possible?

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