‘Cannibal Sandwiches’ Could Make For An Unhealthy Holiday ...

[Image via Shutterstock]

Inquisitor: Cannibal sandwiches might sound appealing to some folks, but officials warn that the odd holiday appetizer could send you running for the nearest hospital.

If you don’t live in Wisconsin, then cannibal sandwiches might sound like something found in a low-budget horror movie. According to Fox News, the concoction consists of raw ground beef positioned carefully on a cracker. These strange treats are often topped with onions.

Although the Center for Disease Control and Prevention previously warned folks not to eat the cannibal sandwiches because of the dangers associated with consuming raw meat, this apparently hasn’t stopped people from serving the dish in question to their family and friends. Some people never learn.

Officials said that over a dozen people were reportedly sickened by the appetizer last year alone. Milwaukee historian John Gurda explained that the cannibal sandwiches began as a tradition at funerals and holiday parties in Germany and Poland. However, the appetizer became increasingly obscure due to the dangers associated with eating raw meat.

ABC News reports that the dish is popular in certain regions of the Midwest, though it’s commonly found in southern Wisconsin around the holidays. In addition to E. coli infections, those with a fondness for the dish also have to worry about salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter.

Wisconsin Department of Health epidemic intelligent service officer Abbey Canon warned cannibal sandwich aficionados that ground beef should reach an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees in order to kill off any harmful bacteria. Otherwise, you’re putting others at risk. In short: Eat the appetizer in question at your own peril.

Despite efforts from officials to spread the word about the dish, some people insist on scarfing down raw meat on a cracker. In fact, six people who were seriously sickened by cannibal sandwiches said they wouldn’t have a problem eating the appetizer again.

According to Top News, the CDC previously encountered over 50 cases of cannibal sandwich-related sickness in 1972, 1978 and, 1994 through Wisconsin. Although officials tried their best to warn folks about the inherent dangers of eating raw meat, people who simply adore the dish can’t help themselves around the holidays.

“In spite of progressing effort deliberations tending to the dangers connected with expending undercooked or crude ground meat, this territorial occasion convention proceeds to be connected with flare-ups,” the CDC said in a recent statement.

What do you think about Wisconsin residents scarfing down cannibal sandwiches during the holidays? Would you risk your health to try one of these peculiar appetizers?

 

How to keep your heart healthy (and your waistline trim) at holiday meals

The most common items eaten for American Christmas Dinner are:

Turkey + Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Green Beans (Most popular style is green bean casserole)
Mashed Potatoes (Sweet Potatoes or both were a close second!)
Gravy made from the turkey drippings/giblets
CORN! This is what sets US Christmas dinners from all others around the world
A variety of pies and rolls

Holiday meals, with turkey or ham and all the fixings, can turn the dining room table into a high-fat smorgasbord. As tasty as they are, these feasts are enough to make your arteries groan.

The typical holiday meal is laden with fat: gravies made with meat drippings, mounds of creamy mashed potatoes, your favorite pies. American adults usually gain one to two pounds each year, including slightly less than one pound during the holidays alone.

How bad is pigging out at holiday meals? Over time, that gradual weight can raise your risk of serious health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Studies also show that fats -- especially those found in vegetable shortening, margarine and some oils -- can clog the arteries and contribute to heart disease.

Transforming high-calorie holiday fare

A traditional holiday dinner of turkey, stuffing, other dishes and desserts can exceed 2,500 calories and 130 grams of fat. That's just for one meal. This is more calories than you should consume in a whole day.

But, there are ways to de-fat holiday meals and keep your arteries and your taste buds happy. Here are some tips:

De-fat your gravy

Two tablespoons of regular gravy contain about 4 grams of fat and most people pour on more than that. Try pouring meat drippings into a container ahead of time and then refrigerating. The fat rises to the surface so you can peel it off.

Un-stuff the stuffing

One benefit of this is that the stuffing does not absorb all the fat from the bird. Also, the inside of the bird gets cooked more thoroughly, killing any salmonella that may be present. Also, try adding nuts and fruits instead of sausage or turkey giblets in your stuffing.

Nix the butter

Try adding a little brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to your sweet potatoes instead of butter. Bake them in a nonstick baking pan.

Remove the skin

A 3 1/2-ounce serving of roast turkey breast with skin has 197 calories and 8.3 grams of fat. Without skin, it has 157 calories and 3.2 grams of fat.

Make a single-crusted pie instead of a double-crusted one

Most of the fat in pies is found in the crust. Roll the crust a little thinner if you use a store-bought crust. Fruit pies are lower in fat than a pecan pie.

Bring out the fruits and vegetables

Focus on pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes or other orange vitamin-packed vegetables. Greens such as broccoli, spinach and collard greens all pack vitamin power too. Serve colorful raw veggies with low-fat dip as an appetizer.

Make smart substitutions

Use fat-free, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to moisten dressing. Use olive oil in place of butter or margarine. Mash potatoes with nonfat sour cream and low-fat milk. Use fat-free non-dairy creamers or evaporated skim milk instead of cream when you bake.

Don't starve yourself until dinner

Have a healthy breakfast so you don't load up at the big meal. When you sit down to eat, try just a little bit of everything and go easy on second helpings and dessert.

The benefits of exercise

Take a walk after dinner, or exercise sometime during the day to offset meal calories. Several studies have shown that moderate exercise after a fatty meal helps prevent fat from affecting your arteries.

Take a 45-minute walk two hours after a high-fat meal, or three 10-minute walks over a three-hour period. But always check with your doctor before you increase your activity level, especially if you have medical problems or have been inactive.

So, enjoy your meal, but prepare it with less fat and walk it off afterwards. Your arteries and your waistline will thank you.

Original Posted  myOptumHealth.com - Cross Posted: ValleyNewLive

SOURCES:

• Nestel PJ, Shige H, Pomeroy S, Cehun M, Chin-Dusting J. Post-prandial remnant lipids impair arterial compliance. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2001;37:1929-1935. Accessed: 11/19/2008
• Padilla J, Harris RA Fly AD, Rink LD, Wallace JP. The effect of acute exercise on endothelial function following a high-fat meal. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2006;98(3):256-262. Accessed: 11/19/2008

Merry Christmas to you All !!

Technorati Tags: healthy eating,Merry Christmas,holidays,holiday eating

Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving

Here are a few of easy tips to follow in order to get the most out of Thanksgiving while staying healthy:

Portion size is key. You can enjoy turkey (white meat is healthier), stuffing and all the foods that come with Thanksgiving, but know how to ration them on your plate. Ideally, you should have three fist size servings on your plate, one for protein (turkey), one for carbohydrates (stuffing) and one of veggies (sweet potato or green beans).

So while you may want to pile on the food until you can’t see the bottom of your plate, ease back a bit and let her know that your healthy choices will keep you around for a lot longer to enjoy many more Thanksgivings with your family.

Serve breakfast. Skipping a meal to build your appetite so you can eat more at dinner is a bad idea. Not only will you be starving your body of calories needed for energy, you’ll actually eat more erratically at the big meal to soothe your hunger.

Don’t go overboard by filling your belly with a huge breakfast, but definitely eat a bowl of cereal or enjoy some fruit so your eyes don’t fill your belly before your mouth can.

Save leftovers for the next day. Remember that it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to let your brain know that you’ve had enough, so if you’re thinking about eating more, wait a bit and then re-evaluate the situation.

Eating seconds comes with the holiday territory. But instead of eating those seconds on Thanksgiving, make yourself a plate, wrap it tightly and have a re-run holiday the next day.

Make time for exercise. Although you might find yourself extra busy this time of year, you’re also probably more stressed. Exercise shouldn’t be neglected this time of year. Even 20 minutes a day of walking or some physical activity is good for you both physically and mentally.  Playing games, dancing, or just taking a walk after dinner is a great idea as well.

Switch out the products. If you’re involved in preparing the food,

Technorati Tags: Thanksgiving,healthier eating,Thanksgiving Dinner,healthy eating,holidays,holiday eating,healthy choices

use products lower in calories, fat and sugar. Use healthier substitutes for ingredients like oil and butter; use evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream and plain fat-free yogurt instead of sour cream. Start with extra virgin olive oil and you’re on your way!

Drink plenty of water. It will keep you feeling full and boost your metabolism. Add a decorative pitcher of water to your beverage table alongside the coquito. The beauty of it will attract the eye first, which will then get your guests to serve themselves a glass.

Stay out of the kitchen and dining room. Make the center of your Thanksgiving holiday the living room or outside in the fresh air, and only enter the kitchen to cook and the dining room when it’s time to eat.

If you have an entrance to your home that doesn’t allow guests to walk through the kitchen use it. Decorate the entryway with warm holiday designs and present guests with a beverage upon arrival. The smell of the food cooking can serve as an appetizer, which will build the excitement for when the food is finally ready to eat!  If you decide to serve an appetizer make it something light, like celery stick stuffed with cream cheese or just carrot and celery sticks alone or with a light dip.

Tips for a Great Picnic and Leftover Storage

Tips for a Great Picnic…

Photo:  Veterans Day Cake by Charm City Cakes

Photo: Veterans Day Cake by Diane’s Sweet Treats

For those who live in areas where Veteran’s Day weather still allows for picnic and grilling type events remember that taking care of picnic left over food is as important as preparing and organizing the picnic itself.

Although it isn’t necessary to throw everything leftover in the trash, it is wise to be prudent.  Better to throw something out than get sick from it later!

There are lots of ways to save, use and recycle leftovers but remember that much of your food probably sat out in the sun and heat for a good part of the day or was subject to germs and spoilage.  The first test is do they still look and smell good?

Who doesn't like a picnic? When you combine good food and company with fresh air and sunshine, you're free to throw fuss to the wind. But the recipe for a successful picnic doesn't end there. You'll need a variety of basic supplies within easy reach throughout the duration of your outing. And while a picnic should be laidback, you'll want to follow a few important safety rules. Finally, you don't want your picnic washed out, so be sure to check the latest forecast. But if the worst happens, who says you can't picnic indoors?

• Picnic Essentials
• Picnics and the Great Outdoors
• Picnics and Food Safety

Picnic Essentials

Whether you're planning a picnic to celebrate an occasion or simply enjoy a pleasant summer afternoon, it's easy to make each picnic unique. The food, candles, flowers, games, music, and other diversions you bring add a special touch. But no matter the occasion, most every picnic requires some basic essentials. Consider the following:

For Transporting and Storage

Cooler fully stocked with ice or ice packs

Picnic basket

Food storage containers

For Safety and Comfort

Picnic blanket or tablecloth

Low-standing picnic table

Cushions or pillows

Folding chairs

Antibacterial gel

Insect repellent

Anti-allergy medication

Sunscreen

Umbrella

For Serving

Utensils/plates/cups

Napkins/paper towels

Condiments

Bottle opener/corkscrew

Plenty of water/beverages

For Cleanup

Towelettes/paper towels

Trash bags

Picnics and the Great Outdoors

Choosing where to picnic can be half the fun. Whether your dining destination is your backyard, a local park, or a nearby beach, just follow common sense and a few important guidelines to ensure the great outdoors stay great.

Be Responsible When Using Public Lands
You can help to take good care of our public lands so that others may enjoy these areas for years to come by practicing some of the following actions:

• Don't Litter. Take along a trash bag or other receptacle for collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash receptacle.
• Make sure that you are using the correct type of cooking equipment permitted in that area. Check with your destination ahead of time for seasonal fire or campstove restrictions that may be in place.
• Don't picnic in areas where you are not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to picnickers to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.

Personal Safety While Picnicking
Be sure to follow these safety tips when planning a picnic in an unfamiliar area:

• Check with local park, forest, or public lands agents to see what precautions need to be taken in regard to storing food away from wildlife. Do not feed the local wildlife!
• Take precautions against picnicking in an area that may be dangerous in case of sudden flash floods. Check with local rangers to find a safe and legal picnic area.
• Remember to take along non-perishable food items.
• Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other picnickers and recreationists.
• Do not picnic on unauthorized areas.
• Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone or radio.

Picnics and Food Safety

Although it may seem we pack too much before heading out on a picnic, they'd be quite a bit safer if we could actually pack the kitchen sink. Food spoilage and cross-contamination are real concerns when eating food outdoors in warm weather without the use of a kitchen. Be sure to follow these tips to ensure your picnic is a healthy one.

Keep Everything Clean
Find out if there's a source of potable (safe drinking) water at your destination. If not, bring water for preparation and cleaning; or pack clean, wet, disposable cloths or moist towelettes and paper towels for cleaning hands and surfaces. Cross-contamination during preparation, grilling, and serving food is a prime cause of foodborne illness.

Always wash your hands before and after handling food, and don't use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry. Soap and water are essential to cleanliness, so if you are going somewhere that will not have potable water, bring it with you. Even disposable wipes will do. Include lots of clean utensils, not only for eating but also for serving the safely cooked food.

Keep Hot Food Hot and Cold Food Cold
It's essential to keep hot food hot and cold food cold throughout the duration of your picnic. Holding food at an unsafe temperature is a prime cause of foodborne illness. Already-hot summertime temperatures can spike higher in direct sunlight. Store coolers in the shade whenever possible. Food should not be left out of the cooler or off the grill more than 2 hours (1 hour when the outside temperature is above 90°F).

Carry cold perishable food like hamburger patties, hotdogs, luncheon meats and chicken in an insulated cooler packed with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs. Be sure raw meat and poultry are wrapped securely to prevent juices from cross-contaminating ready-to-eat food. Perishable cooked foods such as meats, chicken and potato or pasta salads must be kept cold, too. Don't stock the cooler until immediately before leaving home. Keep the cooler in the coolest part of the car when traveling.

The Danger Zone
Most bacteria do not grow rapidly at temperatures below 40°F or above 140°F. The temperature range in between is known as the "Danger Zone." Bacteria multiply rapidly at these temperatures and can reach dangerous levels. Raw meat and poultry products may contain bacteria that cause foodborne illness, especially when exposed to this temperature zone. They must be cooked to destroy these bacteria and held at temperatures that are either too hot or too cold for these bacteria to grow.

Take-out Food
If bringing hot take-out food such as fried chicken or barbecue, eat it within two hours of purchase. Or plan ahead and chill the food in your refrigerator before packing it into an insulated cooler.

Grilling
If you plan to use a grill on your picnic, remember to pack a food thermometer. Check that your meat and poultry reach a safe internal temperature. When reheating food at the outing, be sure it reaches 165°F. Cook only the amount of food that will be eaten to avoid the challenge of keeping leftovers at a safe temperature. Discard any leftovers that have not remained cold. Learn more grilling safety tips.

Sources: Recreation.gov; Food Safety and Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture

Technorati Tags: picnics,holidays,food storage,food safety,Veteran's Day,food poisoning,leftovers,picnic health and safety tips

Survival Safety and Health Tips for Picnics and Holidays Like the 4th of July

Survival Health Tips for Your Picnic

If you’re having a picnic today, or just grilling out in the backyard for friends or family, be sure you exercise proper food safety. Be sure not to leave food sitting out too long, since it could pick up bacteria that makes you and your guests sick. We wouldn’t want this to become a situation where someone has to go to the doctor or even the hospital.

Here is some helpful information on taking care of leftovers. Also, remember these tips when you bring those perishables home from the grocery store next time.

How Long Is Food Good For

by Victor Epand

Raw hamburger: has a refrigerator shelf life of 2-3 days after purchase. If you do not use the hamburger within 3 days, it should be frozen for future use. It can be frozen either raw or cooked.

Hummus: It has the typical ingredients – chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Hummus can be refrigerated in a closed container for up to 5 days and can be kept in the freezer in an air-tight container for up to one month. If the hummus appears dry when you take it out of the refrigerator or freezer, you can add a little olive oil.

For meat leftovers, the general guideline is 3-4 days. After that time, bacteria could grow to a level that could cause food borne illness, even in refrigeration. Food spoilage organisms, on the other hand, cause changes in color, texture and flavor and while they are not harmful to eat, they often mask harmful food borne illness bacteria. That’s why we recommend that if food spoilage organisms are present the food should definitely not be consumed.

How many times can you reheat food like this? Technically, if you handle the food properly.By handling properly I mean that the food was cooled within 6 hours to 40 degrees, rapidly reheated to 165 degrees, cooled within 6 hours to 40 degrees, rapidly reheated to 165 degrees, etc. So technically if it is handled as above it’s safe. But as you know, food doesn’t get better with heating/cooling/re-heating. Vegetables break down and become mushy and food takes on a dull color.

Most restaurants do not reheat foods more than 1 time if at all. They don’t reheat because it takes time to monitor food to ensure that it has been handled properly to remain safe and because food doesn’t get better with reheating. Even restaurants famous for chili (one food that does get a better flavor when reheated)prepare fresh chili each day as their reputation is built on good quality, fresh food.

An obviously if you are having a pool party where you have access to a house or facility, keep the food displayed inside if it is possible!

Leftover cooked carrots need to be refrigerated for proper storage after preparation. Cooked vegetables such as carrots can support the growth of harmful bacteria if not handled properly after cooking. Prompt refrigeration helps tremendously in reducing the chances that the carrots will support the growth of harmful bacteria.

It is not recommended to eat leftover ahi tuna that has not been cooked before initial consumption. Raw fish is highly perishable and loses flavor, color and moisture as it is held. Also, food borne pathogens are more prominent in raw fish and can grow to harmful levels as the fish ages.

The recommendation for thawed poultry in the refrigerator is a maximum of 3 days. If you put a frozen turkey in the refrigerator, once it has defrosted, you then have up to 3 days before it must be cooked.

The Government provided Food Safety chart is an excellent guide on how long to store foods in the refrigerator for both quality and safety. While you may be able to store food longer, it has been found that if you stay within these guidelines you will have both a safe and tasty food product to cons

h/t to Survival Sally and Victor Epand -http://www.VacuumFoodSealer.info/.

A few additional considerations:

If you are having a group gathering where you don’t know everyone’s allergy and health issues you might want to stay away from dishes containing peanuts and peanut butter. Reactions to peanuts and can range from mild to death.

And leftover onions are poisonous

Homemade lemonade or a jug of fresh water are great alternatives to sodas and if possible, even on a hot day, access to a jug of coffee is great for those that have had a little too much beer, wine etc, whose affects are often accelerated by being out in the sun.

Healthy food and calories are always something good to consider, but for the holidays and especially outdoor events, safety and freshness of the food you are serving should always be the greater concern.

And make sure there is plenty of water for the pets who are attending and watch what they are being fed! Real food is far superior for pets than any commercial pet food, but junk food and too much fat is bad for them, just like for humans and they do have a list of absolute no-no foods:

The “Not So Safe Food For Pets” List

The following foods are not safe for dogs, cats, potbellied pigs, or guinea pigs. Never give the following foods or beverages to your pets:

• Alcohol of any kind
• Anything with Caffeine
• Bones from Ham, Chicken, or Turkey (any fowl)
• Candied Yams
• Casseroles (unless you absolutely know that none of the no-no foods are in them)
• Chocolate and Cocoa (this includes things like brownies and chocolate chip cookies) and dark chocolate is the worst… exactly opposite from people.
• Jell-O Molds
• Macadamia Nuts (this includes things like cookies and pies) and go easy on nuts in general
• Pecan Pie
• Potato Skins
• Careful of processed Pork Products because of the nitrates, especially ham.
• Stuffing, unless you made it from scratch yourself. (it usually contains onions, which is very harmful to pets)
• Anything with onions in it (and garlic should be fed in moderation)
• Anything with Xylitol in it
• Grapes or raisins
• Raw eggs – this is only on the list because of possible exposure to salmonella bacteria, not because the raw eggs are bad for them. (It is the same as concerns over E Coli and other bacterial contamination with raw meat, even though the raw meat is great for them!)
• Mushrooms
• Baby food if it contains onion powder
• Milk (and American Cheese) can be a problem for some dogs. And be aware that some animals can be lactose intolerant like some people.
• Avocados – especially for birds and cats
• Sage as well as many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils. (Often used in dressing and stuffing)
• Also keep them away from any rising bread dough or other rising dough. It can kill them and kill them very quickly.

Related:

FIREWORKS DOS AND DON’TS

DO:

• Use fireworks outdoors, in an area clear of dry vegetation and combustibles.
• Follow the directions on the packaging.
• Wear safety goggles and close-toed shoes.
• Keep a hose or bucket of water handy, and soak each device after burning.
• Keep kids and spectators at a distance.

DON’T:

• Don’t freestyle. Avoid altering or combining fireworks, and steer clear of homemade devices made from illegal explosives.
• Don’t try to relight a “dud” firework.
• Don’t hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Don’t let kids under 12 use sparklers.
• Don’t drink alcohol. Have a “designated shooter.”

4th of July Fireworks Safety Tips Video

Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips

Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips

Perils of Peanuts and Peanut Butter… Even Organic

Ask Marion - True Heath Is True Wealth

Meanwhile, enjoy your picnic today!

Technorati Tags: bacteria,food poisoning,food safety,food storage,food-borne bacteria,healthy eating,holiday eating,holiday safety and health tips,HOLIDAYS,peanuts,Pet Health,picnic health and safety tips,picnics,poisons,preparedness,safety tips

Healthier Easter Candy Choices – BETTER CHOICES

Video: Healthier Easter Candy Choices - BETTER CHOICES

Easter is a calorie laden holiday for most. Without skipping the goodies, instead of filling up those baskets with unwanted goodies, just a little comparison and information can make for a healthier basket. If you are a chocolate person, choose dark chocolate which actually contains healthy antioxidants, and just be careful to eat in moderation. So when you are deciding what to put in those Easter baskets just make them a little healthier make sure you choose the right candy and lose some of the old standby’s.

Here is one example:

CHOOSE: Special Dark Chocolate Kisses (4 Kisses)

(4 Kisses)

• Calories 90
• Fat 5g
• Sodium 5mg
• Carbs 11g
• Fiber 0g
• Sugar 9g
• Protein 0g

LOSE: Cadbury Creme Egg

• Calories 150
• Fat 6g
• Sodium 15mg
• Carbs 24g
• Fiber 0g
• Sugar 20g
• Protein 2g

Skipping the Cadbury Creme Egg and picking up the Kisses saves you 60 calories some fat, carbs, and sugar which will not only leave you happy, but your kids as well. The extra bonus is that it feels like you got more than you actually did with the Kisses because you get to eat 4 which feels like more of an indulgence than just chowing down on one Egg.

CHOOSE the Special Dark Hershey’s Kisses and LOSE the Cadbury Creme Egg. 

Some of the healthiest candies are black licorice and Mounds made of dark chocolate, coconut and vanilla.  Almond Joy’s are one of the best milk chocolate bars.

M&M’s have about half the calories of Skittles.

And choose Jelly Belly jelly beans over other brands.  They are smaller, so you feel like you are getting more and they use a higher quality of ingredients.  The even make an energizing sports bean.

Also… definitely choose chocolate (dark is the best) over the Peeps and those types of sugary candies.

The Eat This, Not That! No-Diet Diet...

A Healthy and Fun Valentines Day

Some Sexy and Healthy Valentine’s Day Activities

Girls Night Out: Pole Dancing Class
A pole dancing class is a frisky way for friends to celebrate Valentine's Day together. It's a little intimidating to swing around a pole while also letting out your sexier side, but when doing it with a group of your favorite girlfriends, it becomes easier. Besides being a great excuse to get together, this dance-inspired workout will help you tap into your sensual side while also helping tone muscles, firm the body, and increase flexibility. Once class is over, head out together for a glass of heart-healthy wine.

Group Date: Salsa Dancing
If a perfect date night for you involves getting together with other couples, charge things up by going salsa dancing. Besides being an easy way to burn calories, salsa is like flirting on the dance floor. From the rhythmic Latin beats to all that hip shaking, things are guaranteed to get hot. Don't be afraid to switch things up during the night. It's almost expected that you'll dance with different partners while out for a night of salsa dancing.

For You and Him: Couples Massage . . .
If you're going the traditional route and spending Valentine's Day with that special someone, indulge by getting a couple's massage. It will help you both relax, offer relief from stress, and ease muscle soreness that comes from exercise or the demands of the day. From there, cook a healthy dinner together and don't forget to get physical — and not at the gym! Valentine's Day is a good excuse to be intimate with your partner, especially given all the health benefits of having sex.

Seems like you can't turn your head without gazing on a box of chocolates or other sweet treat this week. And let's not talk about that Valentine's Day tradition. But dipped strawberries gives you both… some healthy fruit along with the chocolaty treat!

h/t to fitsugar & Weight Watchers

Health Hazards of the Holiday Season

The holiday season and new year celebrations are just round the corner. However, the excitement and stress of preparation and celebration can lead to certain unwanted health problems. Here is a compilation of common holiday hazards to avoid by taking certain precautions.

At last, it's time for the long awaited holiday season merriment. There are a number of errands to do before the holidays begin, such as cleaning, shopping, decorating the home, and finishing work assignments. In the whole process, you are likely to put a lot of pressure on your health and fitness and ignore your personal safety. I am listing out some commonly occurring holiday health problems and issues that can mar your festive spirit.

Hidden Holiday Health Hazards

Work Assignments and Examinations: Stress
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Vve's parties are surely exciting. However, there is usually a lot of work to be finished in your office before the holidays start. As far as children are concerned, examinations are generally scheduled to take place right before the vacations begin. The haste to finish all the work early and the high anxiety levels to perform well in the examinations can take a physical and mental toll on adults and children alike.

✔ All I am suggesting is that you take one thing at a time. Avoid exerting yourself by trying to finish work and preparing for the festivities simultaneously.

Cleaning and Decorating: Wounds, Fractures, etc
It is time to clean your homes thoroughly at the onset of the holidays. The overall excitement of the festivities can make you negligent about the safety precautions while decorating the house. In case, you wish to climb and hang the decorations or clean the attic, make sure to use ladders and equipment that is safe for use.

✔ As a precaution, scrutinize all the fittings and bolts of the equipment. This will help you to avoid physical injury in the form of cuts, wounds and fractures.

Shopping: Stress
Holiday shopping and gifts are just unavoidable. It starts with plans for buying gifts for family and friends, browsing through the Internet for the best shopping deals, and visiting the malls during annual Christmas sales. These shopping activities may sound exciting but they are likely to cause severe stress and body ache. A traditional solution for this problem is to take a relaxing bath with Epsom salts after you return home from your long shopping spree.

✔ Doctors suggest consumption of a lot of water, juices, and green tea to reduce the stress level. Personally, I suggest you to carefully draw up a shopping list well in advance so that you do not miss out on any item from your shopping list.

Christmas Tree: Allergy and Skin Irritation
For some of you, Christmas can never be perfect without a bedecked Christmas tree in the living room. Yes, Christmas trees are surely a sign of festivities, but these trees are likely to trigger a lot of breathing and asthmatic problems if they stay inside your home for long. A freshly cut Christmas tree is likely to harbor considerable dust and mold on its needles approximately a week after it is erected. The needles are also likely to cause breathing problems and skin irritation to some people. The same applies to mistletoe too.

✔ I, therefore suggest that you purchase the tree a day or two before Christmas and dispose it off immediately after the festival time. Alternately, buy an artificial Christmas tree which can be erected and decorated to look like a real life tree. There are options to buy artificial mistletoe too.

Holiday Decorations: Allergy and Sore Throat
Do we really bother to carefully pack away the colorful tree decoration after each Christmas? Most of us don't! And all through the rest of the year, these decorations go on collecting dust and mites in some forgotten corner of the attic or the garage. Once the holidays approach, we start looking for the decorative hangings and unknowingly get exposed to the dust. The result? Dust allergy, running nose, sore throat, severe headache and watery eyes right in the middle of the celebrations!

✔ This problem can be controlled by playing safe and storing the decorations in a sealed bag in a clean cabinet. Make sure to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when you open the bag to retrieve them. If they are washable, then wash them immediately in a solution of soap and warm water. If the decorations are delicate, then place them in the freezer for ten minutes to kill all the dust mites. Carefully clean away all possible dust from the decorations for your own safety.

Lights and Crackers: Fire and Burns
Fairy lights are usually suspended from the external roof of the house and are also hung on Christmas trees. Negligent handling of these electrical fittings can be a reason for house-fires and electric shocks. Similarly, firecrackers make for a lot of fun and entertainment while you celebrate and welcome the new year. However, unsupervised usage of crackers might cause burns and physical injuries to people watching the cracker shows.

✔ It is better to play safe and handle the electrical fittings and lights only if you have sufficient knowledge about them. If not, it is best to opt for help from an electrician. As far as crackers are concerned, follow utmost care when lighting them. Follow all possible safety precautions and keep your children at a safe distance when the crackers are lit.

Candles: Headache and Nausea
Aromatic candles available in the market are bound to add an amazing long-lasting scent in your house. However, these aromas are created on account of the toxic chemicals and poisonous substances added to the wax candles. Though pleasant initially, aroma candles can cause a lot of headache and nausea to people.

✔ An ideal way to overcome this problem is to use non-aromatic candles throughout the festivities. Also, make use of some safe room fresheners, potpourri, and fragrant fresh flowers all over your home.

Feast Food and Wine: Heart Problems and Weight Gain
A typical foodie is likely to starve himself so as to build up an appetite for the specially prepared Thanksgiving feast and Christmas feast. And on the day of the feast, this foodie is likely to binge 30% to 40% more food than his regular appetite. A typical feast comprises roasted turkey, beef, ham, roasted potatoes, cakes, puddings and wines. All of these, excessively add to the calorie intake of a person leading to problems such as poor digestion, acidity, heart burn, weight gain, rise in cholesterol and heart problems.

✔ The best bet is to eat in moderate proportions daily so as to control your appetite. Also, it makes sense to be calorie and cholesterol conscious and eat small proportions of food at least 4 times a day throughout the holiday season.

Sweets and Candies: Choking
Choking by consumption of Christmas sweets and candies is quite common among children who generally have a very narrow esophagus. The excessive temptation of eating sweets is likely to cause choking and respiratory problems in children which may mar the festive spirit at your home.

✔ It is best to monitor the quantity of sweets consumed by them all the time. Make sure to buy sweets and candies in smaller sizes that can be safely swallowed by your children.

Late Night Partying: Vehicle Accidents
Yes, this is the worst health hazard of the holiday season. Excessive drinking and late night partying is a likely cause of disastrous and fatal vehicular accidents. There is a notable rise in consumption of party drugs during this time which can cause drug addiction and severe damage to the body. There is also a steep rise in opting for unprotected sexual encounters during the parties and celebrations which are a likely cause of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

✔ Partying is definitely fun. However, one needs to exercise caution before following a path which can be fatal for you and your family. Trust your instincts and opt for utmost safety during the parties.
The holiday season calls for family reunions and cherishing the wonderful life that we have. It is best to carefully carry out all your festive plans and activities to keep the happiness and cheerfulness alive. So do take care of yourself and your family!

By Anuja Marathe Kanhere
Published: 11/28/2011 – Buzzle.com

Related:

Winter and Holiday Health Hazards for Animals

National Ice Cream Day (Month) – Did You Eat Away?

Former President Ronald Reagan made many wonderful contributions to this country, one of them being his creation of National Ice Cream Day, which falls on July 17 this year.

In 1984, Reagan dubbed July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. Calling ice cream the “perfect dessert and snack food,” the Gipper encouraged all Americans to observe the special day with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” Though anti-obesity advocate first lady Michelle Obama might feel uneasy about National Ice Cream Day, we invite you to indulge a little this afternoon.

According to a proclamation (Proclamation 5219, to be exact)  if you are a patriot, you will go out and eat yourself a big helping of the cold stuff. In his official 1984 proclamation, Reagan declared:

Ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food, enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States. It enjoys a reputation as the perfect dessert and snack food. Over eight hundred and eighty-seven million gallons of ice cream were consumed in the United States in 1983.The ice cream industry generates approximately $3.5 billion in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands of citizens. Indeed, nearly ten percent of all the milk produced by the United States dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, thereby contributing substantially to the economic well-being of the Nation’s dairy industry.

So true. Other important facts about ice cream: more ice cream is sold on Sunday than any other day of the week. The most popular flavor of ice cream in the U.S is vanilla (27.8%), followed by chocolate (14.3%), strawberry (3.3%), chocolate chip (3.3%) and butter pecan (2.8%). The most ice cream (per person) is eaten by children aged 2-12 and adults 45+. The average number of licks to consume a single scoop cone is about 50. It is delicious.

In honor of the late president and the tasty treats that cool us down during humid summers, scroll through our slideshow of ice cream pictures (see stills below). If you plan on purchasing some ice cream later today, look at our selection of photos for ideas on what to order.

(And remember the Gipper’s love for Jelly Bellys…  )

h/t to  The Daily Caller and Gothamist

Michelle Obama’s campaign to raise awareness about rising obesity, especially in children, is a good program for the First Lady to tackle.  Encouraging our young people to get away from the electronics and get outside to play, participate in sports or just enjoy the outdoors is also a good idea. Legislating what we can eat and threatening to take kids away from their parents because they are overweight is appalling, un-American and certainly un-constitutional.

Bring on the education and awareness, but food police and usurping parental rights in not okay.

Perhaps improving the economy and providing jobs would be a better focus than punishing parents who are barely making ends meet and trying to feed their families?!?  And if people had more income, they could make better food choices and purchases.  How about getting the additives that make us all fat and make us want to eat more out of the food as well, stop the government from subsidizing fast food, and how about banning the GMO foods completely? Those would be a great addition to the campaign!  And that Mrs. Obama would really be a worthy cause!

In the meantime… a little fun, happiness and dessert helps our attitude.  Beside the decline in jobs, income and discretionary income Americans have had a lot to digest and deal with since 9.11 (10 years now) and comfort food is often what the doctor orders… unless you are on ObamaCare!

Learning to Make Gelato for New Theatre Project

Happy 2nd Birthday Sundae at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor  -  My Auntie was telling me how she spent her 16th B-Day at the Farrell’s on Van Nuys Blvd with 16 Friends and that when they delivered the two Zoo’s they dropped one on one of her guests.  Mad me smile!   

So if you missed National Ice Cream Day on the 17th… enjoy some today!  It has been a hot summer!!  And the key to healthy eating… is everything in moderation, even some good desserts!

Posted by Ask Marion  -  Photos by the UCLA Shutterbug 

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal

Survival Health and Safety Tips for Picnics and the holidays like the 4th of July

Survival Health Tips for Your Picnic

            If you’re having a picnic today, or just grilling out in the backyard for friends or family, be sure you exercise proper food safety.  Be sure not to leave food sitting out too long, since it could pick up bacteria that makes you and your guests sick.   We wouldn’t want this to become a situation where someone has to go to the doctor or even the hospital.

            Here is some helpful information on taking care of leftovers.  Also, remember these tips when you bring those perishables home from the grocery store next time.

How Long Is Food Good For 

by Victor Epand

Raw hamburger: has a refrigerator shelf life of 2-3 days after purchase. If you do not use the hamburger within 3 days, it should be frozen for future use. It can be frozen either raw or cooked.

Hummus: It has the typical ingredients – chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Hummus can be refrigerated in a closed container for up to 5 days and can be kept in the freezer in an air-tight container for up to one month. If the hummus appears dry when you take it out of the refrigerator or freezer, you can add a little olive oil.

For meat leftovers, the general guideline is 3-4 days. After that time, bacteria could grow to a level that could cause food borne illness, even in refrigeration. Food spoilage organisms, on the other hand, cause changes in color, texture and flavor and while they are not harmful to eat, they often mask harmful food borne illness bacteria. That’s why we recommend that if food spoilage organisms are present the food should definitely not be consumed.

How many times can you reheat food like this? Technically, if you handle the food properly.By handling properly I mean that the food was cooled within 6 hours to 40 degrees, rapidly reheated to 165 degrees, cooled within 6 hours to 40 degrees, rapidly reheated to 165 degrees, etc. So technically if it is handled as above it’s safe. But as you know, food doesn’t get better with heating/cooling/re-heating. Vegetables break down and become mushy and food takes on a dull color.

Most restaurants do not reheat foods more than 1 time if at all. They don’t reheat because it takes time to monitor food to ensure that it has been handled properly to remain safe and because food doesn’t get better with reheating. Even restaurants famous for chili (one food that does get a better flavor when reheated)prepare fresh chili each day as their reputation is built on good quality, fresh food.

An obviously if you are having a pool party where you have access to a house or facility, keep the food displayed inside if it is possible!

Leftover cooked carrots need to be refrigerated for proper storage after preparation. Cooked vegetables such as carrots can support the growth of harmful bacteria if not handled properly after cooking. Prompt refrigeration helps tremendously in reducing the chances that the carrots will support the growth of harmful bacteria.

It is not recommended to eat leftover ahi tuna that has not been cooked before initial consumption. Raw fish is highly perishable and loses flavor, color and moisture as it is held. Also, food borne pathogens are more prominent in raw fish and can grow to harmful levels as the fish ages.

The recommendation for thawed poultry in the refrigerator is a maximum of 3 days. If you put a frozen turkey in the refrigerator, once it has defrosted, you then have up to 3 days before it must be cooked.

The Government provided Food Safety chart is an excellent guide on how long to store foods in the refrigerator for both quality and safety. While you may be able to store food longer, it has been found that if you stay within these guidelines you will have both a safe and tasty food product to cons

h/t to Survival Sally and Victor Epand -http://www.VacuumFoodSealer.info/.

A few additional considerations:

If you are having a group gathering where you don’t know everyone’s allergy and health issues you might want to stay away from dishes containing peanuts and peanut butter.  Reactions to peanuts and  can range from mild to death.

And leftover onions are poisonous

Homemade lemonade or a jug of fresh water are great alternatives to sodas and if possible, even on a hot day, access to a jug of coffee is great for those that have had a little too much beer, wine etc, whose affects are often accelerated by being out in the sun.

Healthy food and calories are always something good to consider, but for the holidays and especially outdoor events, safety and freshness of the food you are serving should always be the greater concern.

And make sure there is plenty of water for the pets who are attending and watch what they are being fed!  Real food is far superior for pets than any commercial pet food, but junk food and too much fat is bad for them, just like for humans and they do have a list of absolute no-no foods:

The “Not So Safe Food For Pets” List

The following foods are not safe for dogs, cats, potbellied pigs, or guinea pigs. Never give the following foods or beverages to your pets:

• Alcohol of any kind
• Anything with Caffeine
• Bones from Ham, Chicken, or Turkey (any fowl)
• Candied Yams
• Casseroles (unless you absolutely know that none of the no-no foods are in them)
• Chocolate and Cocoa (this includes things like brownies and chocolate chip cookies) and dark chocolate is the worst… exactly opposite from people.
• Jell-O Molds
• Macadamia Nuts (this includes things like cookies and pies) and go easy on nuts in general
• Pecan Pie
• Potato Skins
• Careful of processed Pork Products because of the nitrates, especially ham.
• Stuffing, unless you made it from scratch yourself. (it usually contains onions, which is very harmful to pets)
• Anything with onions in it (and garlic should be fed in moderation)
• Anything with Xylitol in it
• Grapes or raisins
• Raw eggs – this is only on the list because of possible exposure to salmonella bacteria, not because the raw eggs are bad for them.  (It is the same as concerns over E Coli and other bacterial contamination with raw meat, even though the raw meat is great for them!)
• Mushrooms
• Baby food if it contains onion powder
• Milk (and American Cheese) can be a problem for some dogs. And be aware that some animals can be lactose intolerant like some people.
• Avocados – especially for birds and cats
• Sage as well as many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils. (Often used in dressing and stuffing)
• Also keep them away from any rising bread dough or other rising dough.  It can kill them and kill them very quickly.

Related:

FIREWORKS DOS AND DON’TS

DO:

• Use fireworks outdoors, in an area clear of dry vegetation and combustibles.
• Follow the directions on the packaging.
• Wear safety goggles and close-toed shoes.
• Keep a hose or bucket of water handy, and soak each device after burning.
• Keep kids and spectators at a distance.

DON’T:

• Don’t freestyle. Avoid altering or combining fireworks, and steer clear of homemade devices made from illegal explosives.
• Don’t try to relight a “dud” firework.
• Don’t hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Don’t let kids under 12 use sparklers.
• Don’t drink alcohol. Have a “designated shooter.”

4th of July Fireworks Safety Tips Video

Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips

Pet Safety Tips for the Fourth of July Weekend

Perils of Peanuts and Peanut Butter… Even Organic

Ask Marion - True Heath Is True Wealth

Meanwhile, enjoy your picnic today!

Wishing You a GREAT THANKSGIVING!!

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs