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Friday, December 30, 2011

December 30, Bicarbonate of Soda Day

The Many Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate,
also known as baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda,
and bicarbonate of soda 


1. Used as a leavening agent. It reacts with acidic ingredients that cause a food to expand. Acidic ingredients that create this reaction include phosphates, cream of tartar, lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, cocoa, and vinegar.
 

2. Reduces stomach acid. It is used as an antacid to treat heartburn and indigestion.

 
3. Known for treating burns and preventing blistering.


4. Used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.


5. An ingredient in some mouthwashes, toothpastes, deodorants, and shampoo.

6. An effective cleaning and scrubbing agent for kitchen appliances, counter tops, pots and pans.

7. Commonly added to washing machines as a softener and also to remove odors from clothes.

8. An effective way of controlling fungus growth. In the United States, it is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a biopesticide.


9. Can extinguish small grease or electrical fires by being thrown over the fire. However, it should not be applied to fires in deep fryers, as it may cause the grease to splatter. 


10. Used to deodorize the refrigerator, trash cans, drains and garbage disposals, dishwashers, and lunch boxes. 


11. Removes odors from carpets. 


12. Can be administered to pools and spas to raise pH levels. 


Warning. 
Sodium Bicarbonate increases the amount of sodium in your body. If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, check with your doctor before taking any medication with sodium bicarbonate. 


5 Extraordinary Uses for Baking Soda

1977 Arm and Hammer "Onion Power" Commercial
 



Arm and Hammer baking soda (1996)
 
 

Arm and Hammer Essentials Laundry Detergent
  

  Billy Mays for Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
   


Resources.
Arm and Hammer  
Wikipedia. Sodium bicarbonate 
Medline Plus. Sodium bicarbonate 



Wednesday, December 21, 2011

National Kiwifruit Day
December 21, 2011




National Kiwi Day 
sponsored by the California Kiwifruit Commission.

The Kiwifruit Video


History of the Kiwifruit.
Originally discovered in the Chang Kiang Valley of China, kiwifruit was considered a delicacy by the great Khans who enjoyed the emerald green color and wonderful flavor. By the mid 1800s, the fruit had found its way into other countries and was nicknamed the Chinese gooseberry. New Zealand growers started to export this exotic fruit to specialized markets around the world.

Then in 1962, a California produce dealer began importing New Zealand gooseberries. The dealer renamed the product "kiwifruit" because of its resemblance to the fuzzy brown kiwi — New Zealand's funny-looking national bird. By the late 1960s, California began producing its own kiwifruit in the Delano and Gridley areas.

How to Eat A Kiwi

There's no "right" or "wrong" way to eat California Kiwifruit. But since most people find that slicing and scooping is a good way to get the most from their kiwifruit, we coined the word "slooping" to describe it! Here's how to sloop your kiwi:

Using a sharp knife, slice the kiwifruit lengthwise to create two identical halves. Then use a spoon to scoop the sweet, delicious meat of the kiwifruit from each half. Looking for maximum fiber and nutrition? Don't throw that skin away! It's loaded with nutrients and fiber, so rinse it off and bite right in! 


The kiwifruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K and Fiber. It is low in calories, low in sodium, has no cholesterol and only a small amount of fat. 


One Large Kiwifruit, weighs about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides the following nutrition.




Recipe provided by the California Kiwifruit Commission.
Mint Lemonade, Makes 4 servings 
If you don't have mint, try fresh lemon balm. The lemonade is also delicious without the herbs.
Ingredients
1 cup (250 mL) water
 ½ (125 mL) cup granulated sugar
 ½ (125 mL) cup packed fresh mint leaves
 3 California kiwifruit
 2 to 3 lemons
 Sparkling water

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a tarter lemonade.


3. Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit. Makes about 2¼ cups (550 mL) without sparkling water, enough for 4 drinks.


Nutrition per serving (using 3 lemons)
145 Calories  
37 g Carbohydrates 
2.5 g Dietary Fiber 
0.4 g Fat 
73 mg Vitamin C 

For more recipes, visit the California Kiwi Commission.


Friday, December 16, 2011

A Social Media Happy Holiday
Dietitians, Food and Nutrition Community


Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday
and a Healthy and Happy New Year
To view a comprehensive list of dietitians and
nutrition resources online,
visit: http://www.dietitians-online.com/Twitter List


There is so much information available on the Internet that it becomes difficult to determine what is reliable or unreliable. I created the Dietetic, Nutrition, Food and Health Twitter lists as a resource for consumers, health care professionals, journalists and educators. 

The list continues to grow and includes dietitians throughout the world, dietetic associations and practice groups, government agencies and government funded programs, health and medical associations, CEU providers, nutrition education resources, dietetic internships and student dietetic associations, consumer advocacy groups, trade associations, and food corporations. 

The links do not constitute an endorsement and in some situations are intended to increase awareness of the food industry, government regulations, and current research in health care.

From all of Us, We wish you and your loved ones 
a very Happy Holiday 
 Wheelchair-Connection; (edible art eCards)
and The Frank Family   
Electronic eCards Made from Edible Art



Thursday, December 8, 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011

December 2011, Wellness News

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is up-dated daily. To view the entire Newsletter online click here or subscribe to Wellness News by adding your email address to the link on the left.

December 2011

Highlights


Safe Toys and Gifts Month


National Drunk and Drugged Driving
Prevention Month


Coats and Toys for Kids Month
(check local listings)


Root Vegetable Month

Exotic Fruit Month


National Fruit Cake Month


National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month

Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
National Write a Business Plan Month


A Happy & Healthy Holiday from
All of Us at Wellness News

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Giving Boys the Best Possible Start In Life
2011 International Mens Day



In 2011 Men and Women from more than 50 countries are calling on people around the world to unite and focus on “Giving Boys The Best Possible Start In Life”. Organizers of International Men’s Day (www.international-mens-day.com), which is celebrated annually across the globe, are inviting individuals and organizations to consider how we can improve the way the world supports boys.
Warwick Marsh - IMD Coordinator


Organizers are promising the biggest boys’ weekend the world has ever seen as the worldwide observance of International Men’s Day shares a 48-hour partnership with Universal Children’s Day on Sunday, 20 November 2011 and is endorsed by the United Nations.

International Men’s Day 2011 is asking people around the world to focus on five key challenges that boys all the over the world experience in areas of health, education, family life, violence and life choices and consider how we can all come up with local solutions to the global problems that boys face.

Contact the International Men’s Day Coordination team at  www.international-mens-day.com to share your thoughts on giving the best start to boys.

Friday, November 18, 2011

National Farm-City Week
November 18-24, 2011



Farm-City Week is celebrated each year beginning on the Friday prior to and ending on Thanksgiving Day.  The purpose of Farm-City Week is to bring about a better understanding between rural and urban people by increasing their knowledge and appreciation of each other as partners in progress.

Farm-City: Harvesting Healthy Choices
Statistics indicated that about one-third of American children ages 6 to 19 are overweight, and a growing number of young people suffer from cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

The 2011 Farm-City theme of “Harvesting Healthy Choices” gives Alabama farmers an opportunity to join forces with their city neighbors to show the healthy food choices available.



Farm-City 2011 "Harvesting Healthy Choices"
This video came in 1st Place in the 2011 Cullman County Farm-City contest.
Created by: Misha Buckelew and Miguel Pascual of Cullman High School



Harvesting Healthy Choices allows the opportunity to talk about the health benefits of locally grown produce and other foods:
- the bone-building power of milk;
- the leaner choices in beef, pork and poultry;
- the importance of folic acid-rich peanuts to expectant mothers;
- the cancer fighting properties of soybeans;
- the antioxidant power of blueberries 

What’s more, modern agriculture produces healthier animals, more nutritious grains and year-round access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Healthy food doesn’t just mean tofu and bean sprouts. A 5-ounce portion of lean beef or pork can be part of a balanced diet, and milk, cheese, bread and even fried catfish still have a place on Alabama’s dinner table. 

Eating well and living well are about choices – and is important to all ages in helping us create a healthier state. For more information on a balanced diet which includes fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy products please visit the Department of Agriculture’s “My Plate” Nutritional Guide at www.choosemyplate.gov.

Resource:

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Use Less Stuff Day
November 17, 2011


The Thursday before Thanksgiving is "Use Less Stuff Day." The purpose of this day is to raise awareness to the amount of garbage produced in American between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The estimated extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage.

Through education, and in collaboration with many individuals and organizations around the world, the aim of Just-Use-Less.com  is to share the message of common sense, timeless wisdom, and gratitude for what we have been given. Just Use Less.



Ways to Use Less Stuff
During the Holidays and Any Time
Plan meals using portion control to minimize waste.
Recommendations:
Food/Drink Portion Per Person
Turkey 3 ounce, without bone
Stuffing 1/4 cup
Sweet Potato Casserole 1/3 - 1/2 cup
Green Beans 1/2 cup
Cranberry relish 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Pumpkin Pie 1/8 - 1/10 of a 9" pie
After a party, put leftovers in plastic containers or bags and send them home with guests, or donate to food banks.
Bring your own camera instead of using disposable cameras.
Cancel mail order catalogues you know longer use.
Bring your own shopping bags.
Consolidate your purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag at each store.
Plan your shopping in advance. Save money on fuel by making fewer trips to the stores. Avoid last minute shopping when you won’t have time to make careful gift choices.
Consider giving gift certificates or making a donation to a favorite charity in your friend/family's name.
Give homemade food or something you’ve made yourself from reused items.
Shop for gifts at antique stores, estate sales or flea markets, since one person’s trash is another’s treasure.
When buying electronics, remember to buy rechargeable batteries to go with them.
Send e-greetings to family, friends and business associates who are on-line. Did you know about 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold each year in the US?
Get a tree that can be planted or mulched afterward, or buy an artificial one.
Compost your food waste. Fruits and vegetables and their peels, pits and seeds are all perfect for composting, a great natural fertilizer.
Resource: The Use Less Stuff Report


The Use Less Stuff Report (ULS)
Bob Lilienfeld is the editor of The ULS Report, a newsletter aimed at spreading the benefits of source reduction. The goal of ULS is to help people make more informed decisions about the products and packages they take home every day. ULS will grant the right to use a special version of the ULS logo on companies products if they meet any of the following requirements:


Monday, November 14, 2011

World Diabetes Day
November 14, 2011


World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14th. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its association members. It joins millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness.


World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007. The campaign draws attention to the issues of importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes in the public spotlight. Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. 

The Global Diabetes Plan was launched on September 18, 2011. The latest figures from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reveal that currently 366 million people have diabetes, 4.6 million deaths are due to diabetes and US$ 465 billion is spent on care for diabetes. This disease is one of the century’s greatest health challenges and remains on a relentlessly upwards trajectory.

IDF has brought together world experts to develop a coherent framework of action to respond to the diabetes challenge.  These cost-effective solutions for action by governments, health care professionals and the global diabetes community are presented in IDF’s Global Diabetes Plan 2011-2021. (The presentation is available for download or viewing on video at http://www.idf.org/global-diabetes-plan-2011-2021)

The Big Blue Test is a program of the Diabetes Hands Foundation (DHF). It takes place every November 14 (World Diabetes Day). People with diabetes are invited to test their blood sugar at 2 pm (local time), do 14 minutes of activity, test again and share the results.


Meet Toby Smithson, RD, LDN, CDE

Toby Smithson is a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Educator, a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, and holds a certification in adult weight management. Toby was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in October, 1968, and has managed diabetes personally every single day since with no hint of complications. Toby founded DiabetesEveryDay to share her insights into successful diabetes self-management.



DiabetesEveryDay.com members enjoy 24/7 access to weekly menu selections, recipes (developed by dietitians for heart health and carbohydrate management), grocery lists and a unique library of video clips featuring Toby Smithson. New content is added weekly, Toby draws upon her own extraordinary diabetes management success to make this overwhelming responsibility for self-care both understandable and practical. She explores not only the nuts and bolts….medical issues, food and physical activity….but also everyday lifestyle, emotional challenges, stress, and life changing motivation; the real keys to success. To learn more, visit DiabetesEveryDay.com

Blue Circle Dance

About 500 employees, families and friends of Novo Nordisk from all around the world filmed themselves while dancing to 'Move your feet' by Junior Senior. The idea is to generate awareness for diabetes on World Diabetes Day 14 November 2011.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Seven Favorite Paper.li Food and Nutrition Daily's

Paper.li is a content service. It enables people to publish newspapers based on topics they like and treat their readers to fresh news, daily. Paper.li believes people are the ones qualified to organize and oversee the content that matters most.



Kids Eat Right Daily@kidseatright
A national campaign of the American Dietetic Association and ADA Foundation to promote healthy eating and prevent childhood obesity.





Blogger; always learning, researching and writing about toddler nutrition. Have an idea or question related to toddler nutrition? Drop me a line!

Gloria Tsang, RD



Editor-in-Chief for HealthCastle.com. Author of @GoUnDiet book. Dietitian and nutrition geek.

Las Ratnayake




How2Cook4U hopes you will enjoy your cooking more and eating even more! 


I’m a Gardening Chef and Registered Dietitian, sharing Healthy Lifestyle, Recipe, Food & Nutrition tips using fresh Garden ingredients http://GardenCuizine.com

The Skinny on Nutrition From Registered Dietitians around the Web. 




Social Fast Food


Thursday, November 3, 2011

National Men Make Dinner Day
November 3, 2011

At some point in time, there must have been a movement to get certain men to assist with cooking. This event is not for male chefs, but for the man who believes "Cooking is Women's Work". 

I can't imagine there are many men who still feel this way, but for those who do stop by and visit the 
National Men Make Dinner Day website for rules, recipes, and humor. Below are the Top Ten Reasons to Participate in "National Men Make Dinner Day".

Top Ten Reasons to Participate in
"National Men Make Dinner Day"
(Written by a Man)


10. While cooking, you can still wear your tool belt, simply replace the hammer with a whisk.
 9. Several recipes include beer as a legitimate ingredient.
 8. The blender, the electric mixer and the food processor are loud enough to drown out anyone in the house who is learning a musical instrument.
 7. Whoever is cooking always gets the most attention from the dog.
 6. Whatever recipe you choose, you can name it after yourself. Example: tonight’s dinner is called ‘Doug’s Surprise’.
 5. Discovering that ‘250 ml’ is the same as ‘8 ounces’ AND ‘1 cup’ is half the fun.
 4. Since YOU choose the recipe, it can be a turnip-free night.
 3. Some desserts, such as crème brulee, require the use of a propane torch. How much fun is that?!
 2. Since other husbands in your neighborhood are also cooking dinner, ironically this could be the ultimate male bonding experience
 1. Participating in ‘National Men Make Dinner Day’ gives you optimum points with your wife. Use those points wisely! 

  Action News Celebrates 
National Men Make Dinner Day







Monday, October 24, 2011

Food Day 2011, What is a Serving Size?

"Food Day is October 24 and will continue to be in the years to come. Food Day seeks to bring together Americans from all walks of life, parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, community organizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and eaters of all stripes to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way. We will work with people around the country to create thousands of events in homes, schools, churches, farmers markets, city halls, and state capitals."

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) are the Honorary Co-Chairs for Food Day 2011, and the day is sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the nonprofit watchdog group that has led successful fights for food labeling, better nutrition, and safer food since 1971. Like CSPI, Food Day will be people-powered and does not accept funding from government or corporations—though restaurants, supermarkets, and others are certainly encouraged to observe Food Day in their own ways.

Become a Food Label Detective
An Educated Consumer has the

Tools to Make Wise Decisions





1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods.
2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness.
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger.
4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms. 

5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids. 
6. Support fair conditions for food and farm workers.

A special thank you to Marcela Lucena, Erik Bustillo, and the Florida International University, Student Dietetic Association for helping spread the word about Food Day.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011

October 18, World Menopause Day
How to Avoid Menopausal Weight Gain


Every woman will go through the “change of life,” around 50 years of age plus or minus. This is the time of her last period (or menstruation). Symptoms of menopause vary with every woman. Common symptoms include hot flashes; night sweats; sleep irregularity; mood changes; and possible weight gain around the middle. Some women go through menopause without symptoms.

Due to a decrease in hormone levels and the aging process, many women find themselves gaining weight in their forties and fifties. There is a loss of muscle, which decreases the metabolism; and a gain of fat, mainly in the belly area. Lifestyle factors will play an important role in how you handle menopause. Menopausal women tend to be less active and eat more calories than they need.

Nutrition, Eating and
Wellness Guidelines for Menopause
  1. Maintain a healthy weight; it will decrease your risk of heart disease and other problems. 
  2. Meet your calcium and vitamin D needs. This is important to maintain healthy bones and prevent bone loss that may occur after menopause. Good food sources of calcium include dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese; fortified soy and rice beverages; fortified juices; and canned fish with bones. Good food sources of vitamin D include milk, fortified soy and rice beverages, fortified juices, and fatty fish. 
  3. Be physically active every day. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, keep bones strong and energy levels up, and decrease the risk of heart disease and other age-related complications.
  4. Some women will try soy and flax in food to help relieve the side effects of menopause. Currently, studies have not proven that soy and flax help.
  5. Wear lightweight and layered clothes. Body temperature fluctuates from hot to cold.
  6. Keep a cold glass of water by your side. Due to hot flashes and excessive sweating, it is important to stay hydrated.
  7. Relax.
  8. Take time to laugh.

How to Avoid Menopausal Weight Gain
You don't have to gain weight as a result of menopause.
Elizabeth Somer, RD explains how to avoid weight gain after menopause.

The Menopause Blues



I Will Not Age


Is It Hot In Here, Or Is It Me?


Resources and References


The International Menopause Society (IMS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization, has designated October 18 as World Menopause Day. To celebrate World Menopause Day, IMS is launching a new campaign to create awareness of understanding weight gain at menopause and the implications it can have on the future health of women in the post-menopausal period. 

For women aged 55–65 years, weight gain is one of their major health concerns and many are not aware of the health implications of excessive weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, which is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and also impacts adversely on health-related quality of life and sexual function.
An educational toolkit of materials have been developed to support local country initiatives throughout the month of October to raise awareness of this potential health issue and many have been translated into key languages to ensure the campaign has a truly international perspective.

The IMS hopes that national societies will take the opportunity of World Menopause Day to highlight the increasing importance of menopausal health issues, by contacting the women of their country to encourage them to talk to their doctors about menopause and its long-term effects.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Eating Right during Menopause